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How to Paint Faux Wood

Step 1 - Item Checklist           

For the best results, make sure you have these items:

• Enamel paint - Choose from three colors of paint, a base layer, and two accent colors. Be sure to get more of your base color than the other two colors.
• Polyurethane
• Gel stain
• Paint Brushes
• A wood-graining rocker

Step 2 - Prep and Painting

• 1. In order to make your wood grain look as realistic as possible, make sure you prep the area you are going to paint.
  
  
• 2. Apply the base layer of enamel paint, and then let it dry completely.

Step 3 - Using the Gel Stain

• 1. Only use the gel stain if you are painting wood grain onto a surface which is already wood. If you are painting another material, refer to Step 4.
  
  
• 2. Apply one brush stroke at a time of gel stain.
  
  
• 3. Slide the rocker through the glaze while it is still wet in order to give it an initial wood grain look and feel. For a varied grain look, use the notched edge of the rocker on every other stained section, instead of just using the main part of the tool the entire time.
  
  
• 4. If you want to soften the look of the wood grain, simply run your brush over it one more time.
  
  
• 5. If you are using gel stain, buy a Wood Grain stamp. This will assist you in the initial look and feel of the wood grain.

Step 4 - Painting the Wood Grain              

• 1. You will have to dry brush on the wood grain. Make sure you don't have too much paint on your brush or it will look very unnatural.

Step 5 - Sealing

• 1. If you are working on furniture, seal your project with a coat of clear polyurethane sealant, and you're done.