What Is Faux Wood?

Variety

• Only so many genuine wood looks exist, because there are only so many types of trees. Faux wood effects can reproduce the natural grain of any species and allow for a variety of whimsical finishes. You can get a weathered look without the passage of time or create the illusion of wood on nontraditional surfaces. In children's rooms or for a fun, funky look anywhere, you can choose cartoon-like styles or playful color schemes.

Uses

• Some projects include shabby-chic furniture, classic wooden garage doors, faux wainscoting and ceiling beams. For children's rooms, consider using playful colors. A pink picket fence around a little girl's room adds charm and playfulness. Think theme parks. Theme parks use faux finishes in fun, unexpected ways that translate well to children's rooms.

  You can apply wood faux finishes inside or outside. Exterior work costs more because it requires more expensive materials. Some surfaces that may not be suitable include popcorn ceilings and finished floors. Concrete floors will support some faux finishes but may limit your choices. Ask your faux artist about questionable surfaces.

Tools and Materials

• A painter's comb has teeth like a hair comb, but it's thicker and varies in size. The artist presses the comb into the wet paint and pulls it across the surface. Some artists prefer to create wood effects with paintbrushes.

  Most paints will create a faux finish. If working inside, your artist might choose latex paint, artist's acrylics, color tints or glazes. Craft paint and scenic paint make poor choices. They fade quickly. Exterior faux finishing requires exterior paints or artist's paints. Ask your faux artist about sealants. An ultra-violet protective sealant adds cost, but will greatly increase the lifespan of exterior faux finishes.

Choosing Your Artist

• Consider an artist's portfolio, materials and cost. Most artists offer free consultations. This can give you more insight than an online portfolio viewing. Many artists work in teams. Some photos may include the work of others. At your consultation, ask which portion of the work the artist designed and executed.

  You may not know the specifics of paint quality, but your artist should. If an artist cannot articulate his paint preferences and their advantages, it may be a sign of inexperience or cutting corners on quality.

  Artists charge by the day, the hour or the square foot. Gauge cost by consulting with two or three artists. Ask for verbal estimates. Most artists will not create designs or formal estimates without a contract.

Do It Yourself

• If you want to do your own faux finishing, begin with more whimsical looks. Creating accurate illusions of real wood grains can be a difficult endeavor. If you are determined, do as much research on technique as possible. Books and Internet sites offer plenty of information, but your best option may be to look for a local faux finishing workshop.