Faux Tortoise Shell Finish

“Faux” means to fool the eye, and thanks to Amy’s 30+ years in the furniture and refinishing world, she has perfected the art of the faux finish — including faux tortoise shell finishes. For centuries, people have used small slivers of tortoise shells to decorate a variety of surfaces, from boxes to chests of drawers to tables and more. Of course, this isn’t a sustainable practice and the beautiful hawksbill turtles who were famous for their beautiful shells are now on the endangered species list. It’s been illegal to sell tortoise shells since the ‘90s, which is why faux finishes have become so popular.

Mid Century Faux Tortoise Shell Parsons Style Coffee End Table - Mary Kay's Furniture

St-Dupont Gilt Lighter with enamel Faux Tortoise shell finish stamped 14KKG15

Finishes - swatches and samples showing various techniques

SET OF SIX CHRISTIAN DIOR HOME FAUX TORTOISE SHELL PLACE MATS – Ed Butcher

Tortoise shell finish vintage faux bamboo octagonal mirrors - a, Holbrook Bazaar

Italian 1950s Lucite and brass faux tortoise shell tray

Vintage Parsons Style Faux Tortoise Shell Finish Rectangular Dining Table by Drexel

Varathane Wood Finishing Technique - Faux Tortoise

A Tray of Bliss: Homespun ThingsDIY Faux Tortoiseshell Finish Step Two