Many years ago Faux Finish Walls were all the rage here in the desert southwest. Professional Faux Finish Artists were reluctant to let their clients watch them work.

At the time, Faux Finish was a mystery to the every day DIY painter. Recipes and faux finish techniques were closely guarded secrets. What is so amusing is that these first faux finish styles were so simple to achieve that any first time painter could have had “professional results”.

Fast forward to today and faux finish artists are sharing their secrets on HGTV, in DIY videos and books at Amazon. What could be better? We can have designer style faux finish walls for a fraction of the cost of a professional artist design.

There are schools across the country that teaches in depth, hands on faux finish techniques. The big box stores have demonstrations with their own products. Check the web and you will find hundreds of tutorials and videos for free or charge about any faux finish that catches your eye.

What keeps the professional painter in business? Do you really think the designer homes in Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine have the faux finish painted by the home owner? Not on your life. And this magazine is a 12 times a year beauty if you’re interested in colorful faux finish ideas. Each month I just get an amazing eye full of beautiful soft walls and rich color combinations faux finishes.

You can learn simple faux finish painting if you’re interested in the DIY faux finish products. Check out this faux finish site for an interesting faux brick finish that is popular in Tuscan Style homes.

You can still find great faux finish artists in your local area that do wonderful professional work for a reasonable price. Don’t ask a decorator or designer. Ask your favorite local wallpaper hanger, flat wall painter or window blind store for recommendations. Also…most of the local paint stores will have business cards of hungry faux finish artists.

Ask for references and go see the work. If you love it …Go For It! Oh, and ask to watch!