Frequently asked questions

The following terms and definitions of the methods for surface finishing are combined with a visual sample to better explain each approach. Please see our surface finishing page for more examples of each method and how they can be used in either commercial or residential applications.

What is a FAUX FINISH ?
The French word 'Faux', literally translated means 'fake' or 'false'. A 'Faux Finish' is a general term used to describe decorative and/or artistic treatments applied to any surface in order to change , enhance or imitate another material. The most prominent use and example of 'Faux Finishes' would be in theatre set design, restaurant decor, residential interiors , or any instance where an illusion of another surface is desired.

What is TROMPE L'OEIL ?
Another French term which literally translates to 'fool the eye'. A Trompe L'oeil is a mural that depicts a scene so realistically that one may be fooled into believing that the scene actually exists. Trompe L'oeil is an art form that uses light, shadow, and proportion to a degree of realism and mastery unparalleled in any other artistic medium.

What is FAUX BOIS ?
False wood. This is another term used to describe the art of wood graining, or the skillful use of colored glazes and specialty tools to artistically render a type of wood on any surface. In colonial America wood graining was in great demand before certain luxury woods, such as Mahogany, were widely available. George Washington's residence at Mount Vernon has many fine examples of wood graining. Furniture builders have used this technique to enhance their wares for centuries.

What is VENETIAN PLASTER ?
Venetian Stucco, or as it is also known, Venetian Plaster is a technique perfected in Italy before the Renaissance. Artisans began mixing marble dust into a special plaster preparation and burnishing the material into a smooth marble-like sheen. The effects are stunning. This technique is in great demand for commercial and residential clients.

What is STRIE ?
This technique is accomplished by using a 'Flogger' specialty brush or sponge and dragging it vertically down a surface to create a two-toned linear or grain-like appearance.

What is GOLD or SILVER LEAF ?
The ancient art of gilt, or 'leafing' has been with us since the Bronze age. Gold or silver was beaten down into very thin sheets and applied to every surface imaginable. The ranges and techniques available for the use of metal leaf are many. Much so called 'gold leaf' is actually a colored aluminum used in place of the more expensive grades of leaf made from precious metals. The industry term for this product is 'Dutch Leaf'. There are many grades available of actual 'Gold Leaf', beginning at 12-carat to the finest 23-carat gold which is used on everything from Church or Temple domes, to lettering signs. The difference between actual Gold-Leaf and 'Dutch Leaf'; (besides quality and price); is the fact that true Gold-Leaf will not tarnish in most applications. It is therefore one of  the most prized of artistic mediums.

What is SHAIBAN ?
A specific technique using gold or metal leaf to create a cracked, distressed or antiqued surface.

What is MARBLEIZING ?
The skillful use of thin glaze media and specialty brushes to produce to color and appearance of actual marble on any suitable surface. There are varying degrees of mastery of this art, from amateur effects produced by simple sponging, to , when created by an experienced artist ,a surface virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. The advantage of Marbleized surfaces are cost, portability, the ability to match or enhance existing true stone, and the measured use of imagination to produce believable effects not always found in nature.

What is WALL GLAZING ?
A translucent effect created by diluting paint or colorant in a thinning media known as glaze which enables the artist to apply color to a surface in varying degrees and tone quality. The proper manipulation and mixing of  glaze and color pigments is essential to create a multi-colored effect without saturating a surface with heavy pigmentation. This makes Wall Glazing different from normal painting of pure paint on a surface. Glaze can also effect the way light reflects into or off of a surface. There are two types of glazes generally used in the trade- Oil or Water-based (latex). Both types of glaze have advantages and disadvantages; and both have their loyal devotees.

What is a TEXTURED SURFACE ?
Any surface onto which a thick media is applied. There are texture paints that have sand or silica mixed in, or actual sculpted areas applied to a wall by trowel to produce a myriad of effects. The origins may have been as a fix for constantly cracking plaster walls or ceilings, to simply a desire to manipulate 'liquid stone' or plaster products into three-dimensional art. The methods and techniques are as endless as the artist's imagination.

What is FRESCO ?
A thin and skillful mix of plaster and pigment used to paint murals and scenes into wet or partially cured plaster surfaces. Properly painted Frescos can and have lasted for centuries. This is a highly evolved artistic skill that requires true dedication and apprenticeship to a master before any degree of skill can be manifest. Fresco is considered by many to be the pinnacle of artistic skill.

What is MOSAIC ?
The use of broken tile, stone, glass, sand or pebbles to create a scene, a mural, or geometrical design. The effect can be awe-inspiring. Probably the foremost masters of Mosaic are the Islamic and Mexican cultures. This art form takes patience, strength, and an exacting knowledge of color and intuitive geometry. Fascinating !

What is ART ?
Not even I am gonna attempt this one...you're gonna have to do this one yourself. But that's the beauty of it, after all...