FAUX FINISH
FUNDAMENTALS

Learn how to add elegance, depth, and texture to walls, furniture and more - without breaking the bank!

Duration: 2 hours

Age Requirement: Must be 12+

Dress Code: Aprons provided, however, it is recommended to wear clothing that you don't mind getting paint on.

Instructor: Megan Miller

What's Included: Materials + Take Home Kit

Price: $145

Next Available Workshop:

Faux Finish Fundamentals

$145

Workshop Description

This workshop is designed for curious beginners, DIY decorators, and professional painters who want

to expand their skill set and offer more to clients. You'll work through four timeless faux finishes, each selected for its visual impact, accessibility, and versatility across home interiors and commissions.

You'll Learn To Create

1. Limewash Style Color Wash

A subtle, chalky finish that mimics the look of limewash or Italian plaster. This trend-forward technique adds softness and movements to walls and pairs beautifully with neutral, earthy palettes.

2. Strie

Using specialty brushes and glazes, you’ll create a refined, linen-like effect that gives walls and furniture a woven texture. This elegant finish is a favorite in high-end interiors.

3. Checkerboard, Stripes, or Harlequin Panel
Through precision taping and layering, you’ll build classic graphic patterns that feel modern again. This technique adapts easily to accent walls, floorcloths, or upcycled furniture.

4. Blended Sponge & Rag Technique
Learn how to add organic texture and tonal depth using sponges and soft cloths. The results are warm, dimensional, and ideal for statement walls or vintage-style pieces.

What’s Included:

All materials and tools are provided — no prep or shopping required.
You’ll take home 4 finished sample boards that can be kept as reference for future projects or used as unique art pieces and wall hangings.
Each student also leaves with a set of essential faux finishing tools.

This Class Is Perfect For:

DIYers, artists, and home decorators ready to move beyond flat paint
Professional painters looking to expand their offerings and client base
Interior stylists and upcyclers wanting new techniques to elevate their projects

FINISHES TO BE COVERED

Limewash

Blended Rag

Harlequin

Strie

THE ART OF
FAUX FINISH

Where timeless artistry meets modern design.

Faux finishing, derived from the French word faux meaning “false,” is the art of replicating the appearance of materials like marble, wood, stone, or metal using paint and texture. This decorative technique dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where artisans hand-painted plaster walls to mimic luxurious materials that were otherwise too costly or difficult to obtain. During the Renaissance, faux finishes became a symbol of sophistication—gracing palaces and cathedrals across Europe with intricate marbleizing, wood graining, and gilding techniques.

Today, faux finishing has evolved into a creative design craft that blends traditional artistry with modern materials. From subtle textures that add warmth and depth to bold statement walls that transform entire spaces, these finishes allow you to achieve stunning effects without the cost or permanence of natural materials.

In our Faux Finish Fundamentals workshop, participants learn the essential techniques behind these timeless effects—glazing, layering, ragging, sponging, and more—using professional-grade tools and paints. You’ll explore how color, texture, and technique work together to elevate any interior. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a design professional, this hands-on class is your gateway to mastering the painter’s art of illusion.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

My name is Megan Miller

Decorative Painter | Faux Finish Specialist | Scenic Artist

Megan Miller is a seasoned decorative painter with over 20 years of experience in faux finishing, scenic art, and surface restoration. With a background in painting and technical theater, she began her career in stagecraft—designing and painting sets for professional productions across the D.C. region. Her theatrical work includes two Helen Hayes Award-winning sets, recognized for their visual impact and craftsmanship.

Megan has brought her expertise to prestigious institutions and private clients alike. She has executed restoration and specialty finishes for the Department of Justice, The Kennedy Center, and multiple designer show houses, as well as high-end residential interiors throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Her work ranges from subtle wall textures and woodgrains to intricate marble illusions and architectural detail replication.

In addition to her ongoing studio practice, Megan teaches hands-on workshops to painters, designers, and DIYers—sharing modern techniques grounded in real-world experience. Her teaching focuses on empowering others to elevate their creative and professional skills through approachable, high-quality finishes.