Lapis is a gemstone straight out of fairy tales of the Arabian Nights: deepest blue with golden shining Pyrite inclusions that twinkle like little stars. This finish’s optical texture is based on Master Finishing Medium (MFM), which produces a high build finish and give a lot of loft. The technique used here is equally nice for emulating granite MFM yields pits when sanded, just as in real stone. Note the use of 22k patent gold leaf for the veining. Real gold leaf is used, not composite, as the water in the finish’s waterborne materials will tarnish the composite.
This pattern evokes a shell plate far from the apex/spine.
Samples of Status Faux's Traditional Designs.
Traditional finishes, typically specified by designers for unique impact coupled with realism, are geared toward non-wall elements such as furniture, free-standing adornments and tabletop furnishings. Accurate renderings of tortoise shell, Lapis, Malachite and bamboo emulate actual materials. Novel and whimsical finishes such as eggshell lacquer inlay and rice lacquer, with their fine detail, are sure to bring endless compliments and wonder to the most sophisticated viewer.
Believe it or not, the surface of this finish actually consists of eggshells. Arranged in a closely spaced mosaic, note the intricate patterns that the pieces and the lines between them make. While this sample is one color, any combination is possible, whether done by coloring the shells, or by using different natural color shells (brown, tan, white). This effect is specialized and should be executed on unique furnishings that command attention. The "grout" between the shells shown here is black. Any contrasting color may be used.
Painted tortoise shell emulates the network of plastrons and carapaces of certain species of turtles. These protective, translucent plates grow in specific patterns relative to the crown or bridge of the animal’s shell vertex. The backbone plates are the rarest and the finest in terms of dispersion of lines of color. Scales always radiate out and away from the apex of the spine. The lines and shapes apparent in tortoise shell are reflective of the direction in which the plates emanate and grow away from the vertex, fore and aft, right and left. Each plate has an apex from which the design radiates away.
Provincial (country) Lapis was used at Versailles. It is a very fancy finish, but not as realistic as other Lapis renderings. For this effect, the colors are not meant to not go on neatly, but rather in strong blotches such as mustard and ketchup dabs to give strength of color. Colors are not applied in equal size patches or orientation. They slightly overlap to fade in and out and intermix at their edges to develop irregular clouds of color.
While any image can be painted, the idea of a continuous scroll is attractive on linear trimwork that runs for a distance. Note the background color fade that supports the scroll, not only in color, but in developing depth and dimension.
Pronounced “sha-grin”, Shagreen is an exotic and exclusive product. It refers to species of untanned leather with a roughened, granular surface. The figurative use in French of chagrin translates to anxiety or annoyance. This application of the word is due to the rasping surface of the leather. A pleasing pattern to render the Shagreen segments in is in offsetting blocks of optimal geometry and layout of shapes tailored to the subject surface. The colors in this sample are authentic, however customizable per client requirements as any dyed hide would be.
Malachite is an excellent faux finish for emulating a different material than the base material being painted on. It is nicely used as an inlay on glazed surfaces. The inlaid look results from isolating irregularly shaped geometric patterns, with clearly defined angles. Think of using it as a border, chair rail or panel.
Bamboo is typified by several distinguishing features: the ringed joint bandings between growth segments, cracks and splits, and the color. Immature bamboo is green, whereas older stalks are a woody yellow. Faux bamboo is a finish that needs to be painted on suitable stock, i.e. round or semi-round poles, molding or dowels. Table and chair legs can be adorned with bamboo if they are cylindrical.
An exceptional and distinctive finish, rice lacquer has great ornamental value. Depending on the application, the pattern, degree of texture and color combinations are customized to suit. Sure to attract compliments, use this finish only where it will be seen and appreciated.