Decorative painting is a new industry relative to other industries classified within our nation's established labor industries. However, decorative painting and faux finishes has been an established practice for hundreds of years. Think of the frescoes of Rome, the roots of ancient murals in houses across Europe and America, the fin de siecle gold leafing and relief work of the late nineteenth century. The faux industry, is an industry that, by all appearances now, is somewhere in between being related to the traditional painting industry and interior decorating industry. However, many faux painting businesses operate in way that closely resembles the work that other fine artists and craftsmen complete. Industry trends are hard to predict with such new industry, but it is certain that faux finishing and decorative painting is one of the hottest trends and fastest growing markets. As faux finishing and decorative painting steadily increase in popularity more techniques are added to the gallery of options available for this art.

Industry trends reflect a realization that current culture necessitates a need to live in homes that are reflections of who individuals are and the way they want to live. Americans are spending more money than ever on discretionary purchases, which are motivated by emotion and desire. These types of individuals can rationalize their purchases if they provide pleasure, relieve stress or beautify their environment to the point where Americans will spend 3 trillion in one year on discretionary products or services.