It can be difficult to visualize...

how a special effect will look. It helps to paint a representative sample. These two mahogany cabinet doors were painted in faux marble.

When imitating fake marble on cabinet doors, consider the vein direction. Genuine marbles usually have a directional flow, so adjacent doors will look best when the veining direction of one complements the other. Veining all doors in the same direction will make you dizzy.

While working, you should consider making up some sample boards as a basis for your portfolio. Since you lready hve all of your colours and glazes on hand, there is never a better time.

These samples were made on 1/8" masonite, 2x2ft square, which have proved too cumbersome and awkward to easily carry to a client. I now do my own samples on mylar.

Don't turn the painting of sample boards into your life's work. You will never really need more than a half-dozen or so. People tend to view a faux sample as similar to a carpet sample; so there is no point in making more than a select few. Also, since trends come and go, you will want to update your samples with newer styles and fashion.

Here are photos taken in studio, showing panels at various stages of completion.



    


Framing your panels with borders makes them distinctive...

    

    

Here are further examples: this one of faux wall borders, and this example of a faux marble archway.

See this creative faux panelled wall, and maybe get my goat.