Faux has been around for thousands of years. In classical times, painters would apprentice for many years to become experts in making painted surfaces replicate actual materials such as wood or stone. In modern times, faux painting is generally used to create depth, texture, and variances in color on walls and ceilings. Techniques have also been developed to create wood grain appearances. Although the majority of faux applications are created with paints, trowel applied plasters are available to give the look faux is attempting to replicate.
Faux painting is generally a less expensive method of creating the appearance of texture on walls. Prices vary from $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot. Plasters, being the more expensive application, are installed from $5.00 to $25.00 per square foot.