Michael G. Baley Painting & Decorative Finishing

Venecian Gem Bellisimo with faux wood grain embellishment

Venecian Gem Bellisimo with faux wood grain embellishment

Faux versus Decorative Finishing - The term "faux" is probably the most misunderstood, and wrongly used word in my industry. It has become a generic term throughout the decorative finishing world, used incorrectly by homeowners and designers alike. Let's clarify, shall we? The term faux after all is of course a French word meaning "false", derived from the Latin word "falsus". And, if something is either false, or fake we know it isn't the real thing, but something resembl...ing the real thing. We are all familiar with the term "Faux Fur". In the decorative finishing world faux refers to only a few special finishes. Faux finishes are generally those that duplicate one of the following: Stone (such as marble, granite, or limestone), Wood Graining (also known as Faux Bois), or a Material (such as leather). I used the word "generally" as there are always new and remarkable finishes being invented all the time that resemble the real McCoy. Trompe L'Oeil is yet another art form done to "fool the eye", to which this other French phrase refers. But, that is a topic of another time. All other finishes than those listed above can be classified under one general terminology: Decorative Finishing. There are any number of manufacturers peddling products to make a plethora of beautiful finishes, not just for walls, but for ceilings and pieces of furniture, to be used in virtually every room of the house. From simple glazing techniques to exotic plasters, as well as mixing and blending of multitudes of colors applied by whatever tools of the trade, rooms can be transformed into unique, inviting areas allowing furnishings and accessories to be showcased much more tastefully than having just paint as a backdrop. So, the next time you hear someone use the word "faux", you can take pleasure in knowing how to use the term correctly, as well as how it defers from Decorative Finishing.