Faux Finish

Term from Decorating industry explained for recruiters

Faux Finish is a decorative painting technique that creates the appearance of different materials or textures on walls and surfaces. It's used to make surfaces look like marble, wood, stone, or other materials without using those expensive materials themselves. Decorators and painters use this technique to add unique, high-end looks to homes and commercial spaces at a fraction of the cost of real materials. Similar terms include decorative painting, faux painting, or specialty finishing. This skill is particularly valued in upscale interior design and home renovation projects.

Examples in Resumes

Created custom Faux Finish treatments for luxury home interiors

Specialized in Faux Finishes and Faux Painting techniques for commercial spaces

Trained junior decorators in advanced Faux Finish and Decorative Painting methods

Typical job title: "Faux Finish Artists"

Also try searching for:

Decorative Painter Faux Finish Specialist Specialty Finish Artist Decorative Finish Artist Interior Finish Specialist Artistic Wall Finisher

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle a large-scale commercial faux finish project?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should discuss project planning, team coordination, material estimation, timeline management, and ensuring consistency across large spaces. They should mention experience with commercial-grade materials and working around business schedules.

Q: How do you train new artists in faux finish techniques?

Expected Answer: Should explain their teaching methods, quality control processes, and how they break down complex techniques into learnable steps. Should mention safety training and material handling.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for color matching and sample creation?

Expected Answer: Should describe how they create sample boards, match existing colors, and work with clients to achieve desired effects. Should mention documentation methods and client approval process.

Q: How do you handle difficult surfaces or environmental conditions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss surface preparation, dealing with humidity and temperature, and adapting techniques for different surface materials.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic faux finish techniques are you familiar with?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic techniques like sponging, ragging, and color washing, including tool selection and basic application methods.

Q: How do you prepare a surface for faux finishing?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic surface cleaning, priming, and preparation steps, including identifying surface problems that need fixing before starting.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic painting and finishing techniques
  • Surface preparation
  • Color mixing fundamentals
  • Basic tool handling and maintenance

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced finishing techniques
  • Custom color matching
  • Project estimation
  • Client consultation skills

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex finish design creation
  • Team leadership and training
  • Large project management
  • Custom technique development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of proper surface preparation techniques
  • Inability to provide finished project photos
  • Lack of understanding about different paint types and their uses
  • No experience with color matching or custom mixing