A Lesson In Faux Bois

Faux Bois Marquetry

Faux Bois is the practice of imitating woodgrain on a wood or non-wood surface by applying layers of paint in order to increase that surface's aesthetic appeal.  Historically, Faux Bois dates back to the ancient Egyptians over three thousand years ago.  Graining was especially common in the 18th and 19th centuries, as people were keen on imitating expensive hard-woods by applying layers of glaze or paint on less expensive soft-woods.

Step 1 and 2

Steps 1 and 2 were completed by the painting contractors.  All the picture-panelled moulding was primed, then basecoated. The base coat is visible in the photo on the trimwork around the window.

2 passes of glaze

After the entire space was prepped for us, we applied 2 passes of a mixture of glaze and stains on all the trim.  The first pass of glaze was tinted dark brown; the 2nd pass was tinted a reddish-brown.  Each layer is applied with a pad, using specially bristled brushes to manipulate the glaze, creating a very soft grain, similar to cherrywood.  Because of the scope of this job, we had to work in a 'production' mode...although intricate grains and knots are commonly incorporated into the finish, this would have been time and cost prohibitive. 

Create inlaid panel

Once all the trim was finished,  we applied the same technique to the inset panels.  To create more visual interest, we decided to treat them as inlaid marquetry panels.  Each panel was taped off, then glazed with the same 2 layer process in different directions to add depth and dimension. 

Apply the second pass

Ta daa!

Finally, applying 2 coats of satin polyurethane completes the illusion, and protects the finish.

Oh...and we did three coffered ceilings,  2 of which were cathedral.  Twenty feet high...on a scissor lift!

And, that is today's lesson in Faux Bois!!

Susan and Tracey

FWS