Paint applications that are designed to imitate other materials are called faux paint finish. Different methods are used to apply paints, glazes, and texturizing materials to create illusions of fabric, stone, wood, and other natural surfaces. Depending on how it is used, most often it is applied by hand tools with a variety of paintbrushes, sea sponges, putty knives, and cotton rags.

There are many ways to vary this technique, and it really is a good idea to practice first. Here is a guide of some effects that you can achieve:

Sponging is the easiest decorative finish to master. You can sponge with paint or tinted glaze on a color base.

Sponging off is a faux finishing technique similar to sponging. However, for sponging off, first you apply the paint or glaze on the walls, then you remove it with the sponge before it dries.

Ragging is a faux finishing technique that's a little different than sponging. After you try it, you'll want to rag everything. The paint applicator is a rag and not a sponge.

Ragging off is a faux finishing technique similar to sponging off. First you apply paint or glaze to the surface with a brush or roller; then you remove it with a cotton rag.

Rag rolling is similar to ragging, except the shape of the rag and the way it's manipulated are key to the success of this technique. This technique is something like using a rolling pin. Hold the rag in both hands and roll it into the wall. The paint is deposited from the rag to the wall.

Rag rolling off is a faux finishing technique that combines rag rolling and sponging off wall sections, thereby removing the finish.

Color layering is a little time-consuming, but it can give your walls or ceiling a combination of old world charm and new age elegance. The most important part is to choose colors that work well together.

Paper pressing is a fun technique that can give some very unique finishes and textures. You can accomplish this by simply pressing various types of paper into wet paint or glaze and removing.

Brush swirling is relatively simple. All you do is lightly pull and drag a brush through a wet glaze surface. Which kind of faux paint finish you use depends on personal preference as well as drying time, workability, and cleanup.