Jay Elliott began his artistic training at the Philadelphia College of Art, which he attended for two years on a full scholarship. He began a successful wall covering and painting business, creating custom-cut graphics and specializing in commercial and high end residential clients. He initially incorporated extensive work with glazes, but began phasing out glazing work due to the poor quality of the latex glazes and the high odor and toxicity of the oil glazing products available in the early 1980's.

Due to customer demand and their love for artistic creating, Jay & Diane began looking for ways to faux finish with latex products. After many unsatisfactory experiments with latex glazes, they finally discovered the Faux Effects product line.  Through the years, they have developed some extraordinary finishes and constantly create new looks with the countless number of Faux Effects products available, their ease of use and extended open times. Jay and Diane have created many beautiful effects and have completed hundreds of commission jobs with these gorgeous unique faux finishes.

A few of the many local commercial projects they have completed includes wall design at Ancille Assumpte Catholic School, Hilton and Holiday Inns, Aldo's Italian Restaurant, Guest Quarters Suite Hotels, and the many locations of Carlucci's and Villa Rosa restaurants in PA and NJ. However, Jay Elliott's Faux finishing business has relied mainly on high-end residential work, completing projects in large estates from Valley Forge to Upper Merion. Jay specializes in customizing work for each customer and in attending to customer's specific needs, a strength that has enabled his business to grow successfully for many years. He now applies this same work ethic to his school and every student passing through it.