Faux Finishing & Special Effects Techniques Flashcards

When applying metallic foil leaf as a decorative special effect, the adhesive used to secure the foil to the surface is called:

Answer: Size (gilding size)

Gilding size is the adhesive used in foil and leaf application; the artist applies size to the surface, waits until it reaches the correct tack, then presses the metallic leaf into place.

A decorative artist is asked to create a 'trompe l'oeil' (trick the eye) effect. Which of the following best describes what this technique achieves?

Answer: A realistic three-dimensional illusion painted on a flat surface

Trompe l'oeil is a technique using highly realistic imagery and precise perspective, shading, and shadow to create the optical illusion of three-dimensional objects on a flat surface.

Which type of glaze is most appropriate for achieving a translucent, jewel-tone effect in a faux stained glass technique on a window?

Answer: Transparent glass paint or leading paint

Transparent glass paints are specifically formulated to adhere to glass surfaces while maintaining the light-transmitting, translucent quality that mimics authentic stained glass.

To create a realistic aged patina on a new terra cotta pot using faux techniques, a decorative artist would typically:

Answer: Layer washes of gray, white, and earthy tones with dry-brushing and antiquing glaze

Layering diluted washes of gray, white, and earthy tones combined with dry-brushing highlights and antiquing glaze mimics the mineral deposits, moss, and weathering of genuinely aged terra cotta.

In a decorative finish using a 'stippling' technique, what is the primary motion used with the stippling brush?

Answer: A pouncing or dabbing motion perpendicular to the surface

Stippling uses a pouncing or dabbing motion with the tips of a stiff brush held perpendicular to the surface, breaking up the glaze into a fine, even, textured dot pattern.

A decorative artist is creating a dimensional texture on a wall using joint compound. To protect the dried texture and allow painting over it, the artist should apply:

Answer: A shellac or PVA primer sealer to prevent the paint from soaking in unevenly

A shellac-based or PVA primer sealer is applied over dried joint compound texture to seal its porous surface, preventing uneven absorption and ensuring uniform paint application.

When a decorative artist applies an 'antiquing' glaze to a painted furniture piece to simulate age, the glaze is typically worked into which areas of the surface?

Answer: The recesses, crevices, grooves, and carved details

Antiquing glaze is worked into recesses, crevices, and carved details where dirt and age naturally accumulate over time, while excess glaze is wiped from the raised, high-wear areas.