Unveiling the Beauty of Faux Wood Grain Finish
Have you ever spotted those frustrating imperfections in your furniture? You know, those sneaky stains, a crack here and there, or mismatched colors that just bug you every time you pass by? I’ve been there too! But guess what? There’s a genius solution that involves a bit of creativity: faux wood grain finishes!
Let me share a fabulous DIY trick that’ll have your furniture looking brand spanking new. It’s all about the magic of color matching and creating a stunning faux wood finish. Trust me, it’s easier than it seems!
If you look closely you’ll see stains along the outer rim, There is also a crack in the wood, and although it’s hard to see there is some additional damage on the top corner No to mention the base did not match. The solution to this problem was to create a faux wood grain and match the base color to the top.
Color matching can be tricky and is a bit of an art, but it’s definitely doable!
The easiest way to select a color is to take out your fan deck and start with the base color. It could be a tan, brown, or any other hue resembling wood. In this case, it was previously painted so it was more in the gray tones.
Selecting Grain Color for Faux Wood Grain Finish
Next, select the grain color. Again, use your fan deck and look for a color that best resembles the color. This is the color I selected that came closest to the color on the base. This is the color you’re going to make your glaze with. I made a 50/50 mix of Flowtrol and paint. I used flowtrol because it works just as well as standard glaze and is less expensive to use. BTW, you don’t need a lot of paint when working on a small project like this. Just go to any paint store and buy the sample size paint so you’re not left with a bunch of paint you’re going to store in your garage.
To make it super easy, have a complete supply list for you and all the resource links at the ed of this blog post.
Step #1-Prepping the Canvas: Applying the Base Coat
Apply two coats of the base color with a sponge roller. Let it dry completely. Best to let it dry overnight.
Step#2 –Tape and Texture: Crafting Realistic Grain Patterns
Tape off sections in a vertical direction where you will create the grain and use low tack tape so you don’t pull up the base paint. I made them different sizes to make them look more realistic.
You might be wondering why I put a small piece of tape on every other one. I did this because I’m going to grain the ones without the tape first.
Step #3 – Applying Glaze Mixture
Start by mixing your grain coat 50/50 paint and flowtrol. Apply the glaze mixture with a chip brush until completely covered.
Step #4 –Tape and Texture: Crafting Realistic Grain Patterns
Using your graining tool, start at the top and slowly drag and rock the tool back and forth to create the grain. This might take a little practice. I would suggest practicing on a sample board first. Don’t worry if you mess up. You can always take your chip brush and start over. Don’t hesitate to practice on spare materials until you feel confident with the color and technique.
Step #5 –The Brush Strokes of Mastery: Adding Depth and Detail
Once the grain lines are applied, use a soft brush to gently blend and soften the lines. This helps create a more natural wood grain. You can also use your chip brush to add additional gaining effects.
Step #6 – Sealing the Enchantment: Polyacrylic Top Coat Magic
Once you’re satisfied with the color match and overall appearance allow it to dry overnight. Then seal it with a polyacrylic top coat to protect it and give it a polished look. I like to add 2-3 coats of sealer especially if it’s going to be used a lot.
The Grand Reveal: A Close-Up Look at Your Revamped Furniture
Check out the finished project up close! Notice I create a variety of different graining effects for each panel. Variety is the spice of life, right? This is what gives it that realistic wood grain look.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Enjoy the process and have fun! Creating a faux wood finish can be a rewarding and enjoyable project. And hey, if you’ve got any questions or need that extra push, I’m just a reply away.
Let’s get those furniture makeovers rolling and those creative juices flowing!
P.S. Got a hobby you’re itching to turn into a business? Come join First Things First Startup Biz and let’s make those dreams a reality together!
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Here’s your Supply List:
- Flowtrol: https://amzn.to/3TUvOZM
- Chip Brush: https://amzn.to/3vtSINv
- Wood grain tool: https://amzn.to/4aN1sOV
- Soft brush: https://amzn.to/3NVEIlP
- Fan Deck: https://amzn.to/47sPG9w
- Low tack tape: https://amzn.to/3RO4qtT
- Gloves: https://amzn.to/3tIzD9R
- Sponge roller & tray: https://amzn.to/47vBJI3
- Polyacrylic Clear coat: https://amzn.to/48KLXoW
XOXO
Cheryl
