Faux finishes on exteriors should be used sparingly.
Just because faux finishing is not typically used on exterior surfaces doesn't mean you can't do it. However, it takes good timing and extra care that is not usually required for an interior job. Since most faux finishing takes several days to complete, you must pick a time when many days of mild, dry weather is forecast. Overnight, the work must be covered to protect against dew, debris and animals. The finished work must be protected with an exterior varnish.
Wood Graining
Make a boring steel front door spectacular using a wood-graining technique. Use a wood-graining rocker and several layers of brown paint mixed with glazing liquid. If you are very adventurous, this technique can support fantasy faux finishing, that is, preparing a finish that has a realistic look but not in realistic colors, for example, a bright blue wood. This finish is versatile, fitting into many decor styles, from modern to rustic.
Marbling
Marbling should be used sparingly in any situation to maintain its illusion of reality. Archways and pillars look magnificent with a properly executed marbling technique. Reserve this finish for the exterior of stately, formal homes, as it would look out of place in a rural or suburban setting.
Distressing
Distressing makes a country home look warm and inviting.
A country home or cottage is the perfect place to distress the exterior. While it is not advisable to distress an entire house, a front door, garage door, banisters of a porch, or a mailbox look charming as an antiqued accent. This technique is easy for a beginner. It only requires layers of plain paint and sanding to expose small amounts of the colors underneath to give it a worn appearance.
Faux Stone
Faux stone looks beautiful on an archway or in an enclosed porch. You could even do it on a porch floor, but only if it is covered; the effects of traffic combined with direct weather would be disastrous and not worth the work. Faux stone is easy with a stenciling kit, or it can be done free hand by a more experienced painter. Faux granite, slate or limestone are good choices for faux finishes, as they can look very realistic when done properly.
Related posts
Several faux finishes and glaze treatments bring out the richness of plaster.Faux painting and glaze techniques on plaster provide richness and add texture. These painting techniques add drama and...
Use faux painting in your home for unique effects.When you add faux painting to the interior of your home, you add character and create a home that is unique and colorful. Most faux-paint techniqu...
Decorating the interior of your home can be a fun and exciting project. There are many new, interesting techniques you can use to give your space a unique look. Most of these involve different pai...
Creating a marble effect with paint is a challenging project.The marble effect is one of the most challenging faux painting finishes to create. Professionals and homeowners use the marble effect t...
Colored doors add visual interest.Paint your doors if you're redecorating, or if you just want to breathe new life into a living area. Like other home painting projects, painting doors involves so...
