A Faux Sienna Marble Archway

Oils are a traditional medium to work with, but because faux finishes are done in stages, the slow-drying aspect of oil (alkyd) glazes can be a hindrance to the advanced artisan. It's inconvenient to have to leave the work to dry out overnight -- gaining proficiency in the use of acrylics will allow many stages to be performed on the same day. i.e. you get more done!

With oils, each stage has to be left to dry and harden off. In some cases, this may be as long as overnight. Unless you are adept at using a wet-in-wet technique, applying wet glazes to a wet underground will likely ruin your work, and the best you will find for your effort is hair loss and chest pain.

By comparison, acrylics and watercolours dry quickly. The tradeoff is that it's difficult to get a look that approaches the depth and character of oils.

If time is not a factor, and as a contractor you are feeling philanthropic, go with oils. Otherwise, if you are feeling geotropic, go take a nap.

This beautiful woodwork was discovered in the course of a renovation. The new owner appreciated the architectural and historical value, and had the presence of mind to have it restored. A bit of work turned it into a distinctive home feature.