While faux painting may seem like a contemporary design trend, you may be surprised to learn that it dates back to ancient Egypt, when stucco and Venetian plaster finishes first gained popularity. 

Faux finishes were employed to alter the look of tombs and cave walls. Nowadays, homeowners typically select different imitation finishes when upgrading their interior decor.

In this article, we’ll discuss why faux painting is so popular and the techniques you can use to create a stunning faux-suede metallic finish with Meoded’s Pearlas Velvet.

What is faux painting?

Faux painting or faux finish is a phrase that describes a wide range of decorative paint treatments. “Faux” means “fake” in French and is pronounced “fō” People may choose a faux painting because it’s cheaper than utilizing the materials the paint aims to imitate. For instance, some individuals paint a wall to make it look like it’s made of stone or brick. 

Faux painting is a popular way for homeowners to show their individuality or enhance a specific room’s design theme. Since antiquity, this decorative paint technique has been used and highly regarded. Trompe l’oeil (or fool the eye) is one of the most renowned fake painting methods. 

This technique creates the illusion that the observer is viewing a three-dimensional item when, in fact, it is only a painting on a flat, smooth wall. The ancient Romans were among the most well-known Trompe l’oeil decorators and enjoyed applying this deceptive technique in their homes.

Faux-suede metallic finish with Pearlas Velvet

The faux-suede painting technique is similar to Trompe l’oeil in that it tricks the eye into believing the wall surface is textured leather or suede when in actual fact, it’s really just paint!

Meoded’s Pearlas Velvet is a low VOC decorative metallic paint that creates a suede metallic finish for interior applications. Pearlas Velvet’s metallic pigments and fine resins offer the look of iridescent paint with the feel of soft, rich texture and are designed to create a beautiful and luxurious finish.

How to apply Pearlas Velvet 

Before you start faux painting, practice the techniques described below on a tagboard or plywood scrap. This will allow you to fine-tune your method while experimenting with various tools for applying the paint. 

Inspect the condition of your walls. 

Are your walls in good condition, or are they rough and filled with holes? Are your walls white, or have they been painted a darker color? Unless your walls are smooth and white, a primer may be necessary. 

There are three techniques you can use to create a faux metallic suede finish:

1. Regular technique creates a velvety suede look coupled with a brilliant metallic shine
2. Pearlas velvet lines technique uses a horizontal or vertical motion
3. Pearlas velvet circles technique for a velvety option with lots of movement

Option 1: Regular Technique

• Apply the correct primer and then two coats of the base paint to a very smooth level five surface. 
• Once the second base coat is completely dry, apply the Pearlas velvet a tiny bit at a time using a trowel in a sweeping s-shaped motion. 
• It’s important to choose a base color that’s similar to your Pearlas velvet finish because the finish is partly transparent. At Meoded, we sell velvet base colors (for example, the Meoded gray velvet base coat, which is closely tinted to the Pearlas Velvets silver finish).
• Allow the first coat of Pearlas velvet to dry for a minimum of six hours. 
• Once the first coat of Pearlas velvet is completely dry add the second coat and continue to cover the surface and s patterns and figure-eight motions.

When you move your hand across suede the material moves with you the same effect applies here with the trowel, the amount of movement is up to your taste.

Option 2: Pearlas Velvet Lines Technique

• Apply two base coats and the first coat of Pearlas Velvet. Put a little Pearlas velvet on the trowel and apply it to the surface either in an up-and-down vertical motion or a side-to-side horizontal motion, whichever way you prefer the lines to go. 
• Apply to a small section at a time because the paint dries fast. Go back and drag the trowel down lengthwise, dragging the paint into a rougher texture.
• Immediately go back with the trowel before it dries, holding it horizontally and smooth the surface, keeping the same line pattern consistent. If you’ve chosen horizontal lines, you will do these same steps horizontally. 

Option 3: Pearlas velvet circles 

• First, apply two base coats and the first coat of Pearlas Velvet. 
• Once dried, apply your second coat of Pearlas velvet, creating a thin layer across the surface. with a trowel, work in a square yard section that’s free of dents and imperfections 
• Once a square yard is covered, go back immediately and create circles. Cover the entire surface with circles 
• Then, go back and lightly smooth out the circles with the trowel, don’t press too hard. 

Pearlas velvet circles create a rich, velvety option with lots of movement but the same beautiful metallic shine.

The faux-suede finish is ALWAYS done best with Pearlas Velvet

Faux suede has become a popular wall finish because of its soft, elegant texture. It’s a simple finish to achieve, even for a beginner. If you want a wall finish that is easy to apply that offers your space a warm and sleek decorative finish, Faux Suede may be just what you’re looking for.

When you use one of these Pearlas Velvet techniques, even painting just a small wall section can provide depth and dimension to a room. Anyone who has painted a wall before can use these techniques! 

Experiment with these faux painting techniques to create results that absorb and play with light, soften the wall color, and give the impression of a brushed leather surface.

If your project calls for pearlescent paint with a soft, rich texture feel, always choose Meoded’s Pearlas Velvet!

FAQ

What is a faux finish wall?

Faux painting is a technique that replicates the look and feel of other surfaces, such as striped wallpaper, suede, or marble, to provide texture and depth. 

While completing a faux finish job correctly requires some patience and imagination, the results will persuade you that the effort and time invested were worthwhile.

Is faux painting out of style?

You were mistaken if you thought faux painting was out of style or dated. It’s easy to see why faux decorative finishes are experiencing a revival in high-end interior design. 

Faux finishes transcend the limitations of conventional wall paint, providing a wide variety of stunning, unique surfaces that elevate the experience to a new degree of luxury.

What is a suede paint finish?

The suede metallic finish is intended to resemble the silky feel of brushed suede while still providing rich, realistic character. Suede, available in several luxurious tones, lends textural appeal to an understated room or hallway.