Throughout history painted finishes such as glazing marbling and graining have been used to solve a wide range of design problems. In addition to being decorative these finishes can give interior spaces the illusion of being larger, higher, lighter, or more elegant. They can be used to camouflage design flaws and damaged walls-or to integrate new materials with preexisting ones. Popular in both innovation and restoration, painted finishes can also be one of the least expensive ways to decorate.

 

Quote from: Professional Painted Finishes, Marx