Faux Finish Stenciling Methods

From weathering new furniture and giving it an old-fashioned appearance to creating murals on walls and ceilings, faux finish stenciling adds architectural detail to items in need of realistic decorative finishes.

With an objective to make one material look like another while still making it look realistic, faux finish stenciling yields a variety of different looks. Unique design patterns that appear hand-drawn and painted are created by using one or more faux finish stenciling method.

Faux finish stencil methods include:

Circular: Move the brush in clockwise and counterclockwise motions
Sweeping: Lightly sweep the brush from edge to edge across the cut-out
Pouncing: While holding perpendicularly, pounce or dab the brush on the surface

With the goal of creating designs which best characterize imitated objects, faux finish stenciling methods help people add a realistic touch to their own personal projects.

Recommended Brushes and Their Uses

Because faux finish stenciling is a common technique used for creating realistic masterpieces, it is important to recognize the various tools used.

A short compilation of different types of brushes typically used in faux finish stenciling are:

Artist's
• Available in a variety of sizes
• Can be round or flat bristled
• Though moderately expensive, sable brushes are the best type of artist brush to use for both freehand and detailed work

Dusting
• Also called jamb dusters
• Soft bristled
• Remove dust from a surface prior to painting or glazing

Flogging
• Available in a variety of sizes and bristles
• Used for dragging wet varnish in the production of lines attributed to various wood types

Standard Decorator's
• Available in sizes ranging from 1 to 6 inches
• Mainly used to apply both primer and base coats
• Typical for working with flat oil, eggshell and latex paints

Stenciling
• Specifically designed to hold a small amount of paint
• Help achieve a steady build-up of color

Varnishing
• Thin, flat bristled: mainly used to apply thin coats of varnish
• Flat or oval-shaped, these are typically used to apply thicker coats of varnish and achieve smoother application

Why is Faux Finish Stenciling so Popular?

Faux finishing stenciling methods are commonly used because more people are interested in creating their own unique environment. Also, with a variety of do-it-yourself videos, books, classes and television show available to the public, people are provided with more options to learn the in's and out's of faux finish stenciling.

With the right training and proper techniques, anyone can create a beautiful faux finish effect on walls, ceilings and furniture.


Sources:
Faux Finish Tips & Techniques: Stenciling. Michaels: The Arts and Crafts Store. Michael
Stores, Inc. 18 Sept 2006.
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayArticl e?articleNum=ae0264
Finishing Stencils. Faux Painting Techniques. 18 Sept 2006.
http://www.faux-painting-techniques.com/finishin g_your_stencils.html
Introduction to Faux. Faux Painting Techniques. 18 Sept 2006.
http://www.faux-painting-techniques.com/faux_pai nting_introduction.html
King, Roger. "Faux Finish Stenciling Can Create The Illusion Of Wallpaper." EzineArticles
29 June 2006. 18 September 2006.
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Faux finish-Stenciling-Can-Create-The-Illusion-Of-
Wallpaper&id=232344
Materials and Tools. Faux Painting Techniques. 18 Sept 2006.
http://www.faux-painting-techniques.com/faux_pai nting_materials_and_tools.html
Sarther, Casey. Faux Finish Stenciling. 31 Aug 2006. Tempting Stencils. 18 Sept 2006.
http://www.temptingstencils.com/Stencil/Types-Fa ux finish-Stenciling
Stenciling Methods. Faux Painting Techniques. 18 Sept 2006.
http://www.faux-painting-techniques.com/stencil_ methods.html