The technique of creating painted illusions was perfected centuries ago by French artists, who coined the term “trompe l’oeil”, which means “fool the eye”. Many of these faux painting techniques were practiced by struggling sign makers during the Depression, who painted homes to make ends meet. Many of these old time professional painters had also developed the skills of mixing their own colors on the job.
For those sign makers, who would like to learn how to simulate faux painted surfaces such as granite, marble and wood, here are a couple of great books on the subject:
For those sign makers, who would like to learn how to simulate faux painted surfaces such as granite, marble and wood, here are a couple of great books on the subject:
The Art of Faux: The Complete Sourcebook
of Decorative Painted Finishes
● Provides recipes for
a multitude of marble and wood grain finishes.
a multitude of marble and wood grain finishes.
● Detailed step by
step pictures and clear instructions.
step pictures and clear instructions.
● Helpful information
on the tools you need for professional work.
on the tools you need for professional work.
● Comprehensive study
of French and Italian faux finishes.
of French and Italian faux finishes.
● In depth instruction
on producing unusual finishes including patinas.
on producing unusual finishes including patinas.
Professional
Painted Finishes: A Guide to the Art and Business of Decorative Painting
● Comprehensive how-to
guide providing instructions on how to mix colors and painting techniques.
guide providing instructions on how to mix colors and painting techniques.
● Covers basics of
faux painting including surface preparation, materials, and safety.
faux painting including surface preparation, materials, and safety.
● Step-by-step
procedures on how to simulate marble, granite and different woods.
procedures on how to simulate marble, granite and different woods.
● Provides detailed information
on glazing techniques.
on glazing techniques.
● Useful information
for either beginner or professional.
for either beginner or professional.
● Beautiful color
photography.
photography.
PAINTING ARTICLES
Using Linseed Oil to Make a Medium
Why Paint Wrinkles
How to Clean Brushes Used for Water-Based Paints
Proper Prep Prior to Repainting Walls
Coating Woodworking Projects with Epoxy Resin
The Practicality of Repainting an Old Acrylic Sign
Acrylic Mediums & Additives
Acrylic Glazes
Finishing Tips
Blending Colors
Making Oil Paint
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
Mediums for Oil Painting
Faster, Easier Paint Clean Up
Penetrol Paint Conditioner
Shades of Black
Flesh Tone Paint Recipe
White Lead Oil Paint
Safely Working with Pigment Powders
When to Thin Paint with Naphtha
Damar Varnish Recipe
Fat Over Lean Rule
Applying a Wiping Varnish to Your Carving
Asphaltum
Essential Solvents for Sign Painters
Traditional Gesso Recipe for Encaustic Painters
Painting with Gouache
Epoxy Resins
Bondo Tips
Flattening Paste for Enamel Paint
Paint Chemistry Terminology
Scratching the Surface with Grey Scotch-Brite Scuff Pads
Why Paint Wrinkles
How to Clean Brushes Used for Water-Based Paints
Proper Prep Prior to Repainting Walls
Coating Woodworking Projects with Epoxy Resin
The Practicality of Repainting an Old Acrylic Sign
Acrylic Mediums & Additives
Acrylic Glazes
Finishing Tips
Blending Colors
Making Oil Paint
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
Mediums for Oil Painting
Faster, Easier Paint Clean Up
Penetrol Paint Conditioner
Shades of Black
Flesh Tone Paint Recipe
White Lead Oil Paint
Safely Working with Pigment Powders
When to Thin Paint with Naphtha
Damar Varnish Recipe
Fat Over Lean Rule
Applying a Wiping Varnish to Your Carving
Asphaltum
Essential Solvents for Sign Painters
Traditional Gesso Recipe for Encaustic Painters
Painting with Gouache
Epoxy Resins
Bondo Tips
Flattening Paste for Enamel Paint
Paint Chemistry Terminology
Scratching the Surface with Grey Scotch-Brite Scuff Pads
