Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ............... Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary
Graining
A painted imitation of the grain of wood.
AKA faux bois
Often the grain of an expensive or rare wood is simulated on a less expensive or plain painted surface. Thrift was the genesis of the practice, but graining became both a folk art and a fine decorating choice.
Faux painting/finishes: The word faux actually means false, and refers to the technique of making one material look like another. For example, a fiberglass column made to look like it was made of marble, or a plain sheet rock wall made to look like stucco. Examples of faux finishes: graining, marbleizing, trompe l'oeil
Examples from Buffalo:
- Illustration above: 19th century chest - Private collection