Achieve Professional Faux Finishes by Using the Right Tool

Natural Sea Sponge

Used with sponging technique to apply paint and glaze to the surface to give a mottled look.

Process begins with application of a coat of paint in a solid color. Once this coat is dry, the damp sponge is then used to add glaze in another color.

One line of sponges comes with a plastic handle that can be removed as well as a smaller trim sponge for corners.

Can also be used with a negative method, which involves applying a base coat, then a glaze coat. A sponge is then used to remove some of the glaze before it has a chance to dry, partially exposing the color of the base coat.

Rag Rolling Applicator

Used with rag rolling technique to achieve effects similar to crushed velvet, parchment, chamois leather, watered silk or brocade.

As with sponging, ragging begins with application of a coat of paint in a solid color and allowing it to dry. A crumpled cloth is then used to add glaze in another color.

To rag-roll, a cloth is rolled into a sausage shape of varying tightness, then lightly dipped into the glaze and rolled gently across the base coat.

Ragging and rag-rolling results vary according to the cloth material used. Linen, lace and burlap are common choices, but almost any material will do if it is clean and free of lint.

Can also be used with a negative method, which involves applying a base coat, then a glaze coat. A rag is then rolled over the glaze to remove some of it before it has a chance to dry, partially exposing the color of the base coat.

Graining Feather

Used in marbling technique, in which a base layer of white or color is dabbed on with a damp sponge, and then a second glaze of a different color is applied the same way, causing the two colors to “marble.”

The feather provides the “veined” look.

Marbling is often done with fireplace mantles

Stippling Brush

Brush used to create stippling effect which is a faux technique that gives an aged look to new surfaces.

Stippling involves using the brush to paint criss-cross patterns using glaze over a base coat. The brush bristles are then used to dab on glaze to achieve the desired look.

Graining Comb

Tool used to achieve striated effect, which involves covering a wall with regular paint, applying a glaze and then running the comb through the glaze to remove glaze.

Combing tends to darken the color of the wall and it can be done in any direction.

Cross-hatching is when the wall is combed once straight down and once horizontally.