Faux is the French word for "fake." Faux has been used to describe various types of painting and finishing techniques for centuries. Making a surface appear to be something it is not – plaster, wood, marble, or leather is a large part of faux finishing.


Murals and decorative applications, such as Trompe L'Oeil (A French term literally meaning "trick the eye" and sometimes called "illusionism") can also be used to create a unique and one of a kind atmosphere of art.