While faux finish represents the substance of a material, grey tone painting show it in relief.
Different tones from dark grey to white display the effect of light and shadow. The length of the viewing distance influences the three dimensional effect. Grisaille can also be tone in ton e painting, e.g. the painting in grey blue or sepia tones.
When grisaille refers to architectural objects (columns, pilasters, niches, friezes, cornices and other plaster moldings), we call it faux architecture. A good example of faux architecture is Benad´s decoration of the courtyard in the traditional restaurant “Zum Franziskaner” in Munich, sited near the National Theatre. The smooth plastered wall presents the appearance of a three-dimensional façade in classical style.

Tone in ton painting also adds a third dimension to faux finish surfaces: painted marble or wood appear to have a frame. Granite, sandstone or marble plates seem to be carved and show figures in relief form.
Curtains and other draperies are produced through the interaction of material textures and relief shading.
Numerous designs on this theme are to be found in our book “Trompe L’Oeil Grisaille: Architecture & Drapery” (W.W.Norton).