What is a Faux Finished Sign?

In its simplest definition faux, from the French word for false, is a false finish; a finish created to look like a material or finish other than what it is. Most often, faux finished signs are made to resemble wood, stone, or other natural materials. Faux finish may be applied to PVC, metal, or vinyl to create rich and complex appearances. There are many types of faux finishes and new approaches are created all the time.

Common Types of Faux Finish

Sponging – Using sponges to apply paint in tight patterns on a sign. Sometimes used as a background.

Marbleizing –A marble look is accomplished with glaze and paint techniques.

Graining – Usually a template is used to apply paint creating a wood grain appearance.

Ragging – Uses rags formed in bunches and twists to create a repeated and sometimes overlapping pattern.

Color Wash – A free form finish using a variety of colors blended with a brush.

How Are Faux Finished Signs Used?

These signs are used for every kind of organization and on many types of signs. Faux finish lends itself to creating a look and feel custom fit to a company’s culture, product, or theme.

• Placing numbers or letters on a marbleized background creates a highly professional look.
• Graining can be used to build signs that look like wood, but don’t require the maintenance of natural wood.
• Faux brick or stone are especially effective as bases for monument signs.
• Antique, gilded, and ornate additions can be created with faux finishing
• Color washed, striping, and ragging are all excellent ways to make a plain background stand out.

Faux finishes are a great way to create outstanding, one of a kind, highly functional, low maintenance signs that fit the needs of individual businesses. If you’d like to learn more about faux finished signs let us know. We’ll tell you the truth about faux.

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