How to make faux woodgrain joints is one of the most important steps in creating a realistic faux wood finish.

If you want your faux woodgrain finish to look realistic, the “joints” or “seams” in the panels make all the difference. They break up the surface so it mimics real boards, adds dimension, and gives the grain a natural start-and-stop.

Below is an easy step-by-step guide to show exactly how to lay out, tape, and paint those joints so the door looks like it’s made from real wood planks. The inspiration for this wood grain was to mimic the wood paneling next to the door. 

Step 1: Prep the Door

Before you start making joints, you want a smooth, clean working surface.

Do this first:

• Clean the door thoroughly to remove oils and dust
• Sand lightly if needed
• Apply a primer that works with your glaze/stain
• Basecoat the door in a light neutral (tan, beige, or wood-tone primer)

This base color will act like the “raw wood” under your graining.

Step 2: Map Out Your Wood Planks

This step is where the magic begins. You’re creating the illusion of individual boards. Start by doing everything. In the horizontal direction.

Here’s how:

1. Look at your door’s raised panel design.
2. Decide where your “boards” will begin and end.
3. Use blue painter’s tape to outline each board section, including the horizontal strips that mimic joints.
4. Make sure your taped areas are perfectly straight — this is what creates clean wood seams later.

Tip: Tape off one section at a time so the glaze doesn’t dry before you grain it.

Step 3: Grain the Taped-Off Panels

Now it’s time to create the woodgrain texture inside each taped shape.

1. Apply your glaze or gel stain inside the taped area.
2. Use your  woodgraining tool or brush to pull the grain:
   • Straight pulls
   • Curved pulls
   • Knots if desired
3. Drag lightly and work fast — the glaze stays workable for a short time.
4. Wipe excess where needed.
5. Remove tape when you’re done
6. Let these sections dry completely.

Move on to the next panel.

This layered method is what makes each “board” look separate and natural.

Step 4: Build the Vertical Frames Around the Panels

With the centers done, now grain the vertical stiles and horizontal rails.

1. Tape the edges tightly so your lines stay crisp.
2. Brush on your glaze.
3. Pull the grain vertically along the stiles and horizontally along the rails.
4. Keep your strokes consistent — long, even pulls look most realistic.
5. Allow to fully dry.

Now the door really starts looking like actual wood planks fitted together.

Step 5: Seal the Entire Door

Once everything is dry: 

Screenshot

• Use a clearcoat (matte, satin, or gloss)
• Apply evenly with a brush (use a soft brush like this)
• This protects the finish and gives it a finished, professional look

For high-touch areas like doors, a high-durability sealer is essential.

Step 6: Final Woodgrain Finish

After all sections are grained and dry:

• Step back and check for consistency
• Add a second layer of glaze if you want more depth
• Soften any harsh lines
• Darken areas that need more contrast
• Make sure all joints look clean and natural

Your door should now look like it’s made from multiple real wood planks.

Additional Resources:

If you want to learn exactly how I create my professional woodgraining finishes on entry doors and garage doors, I’ve got you covered. Inside my DIY video tutorials, I walk you through every single step and share all my pro tips, tricks, and the exact supplies and tools I use — so you can get the same stunning results at home. Grab all the details HERE.

How To Repair Door Stain After Changing Hardware: https://artzyfartzycreations.com/artzyfartzycreations-repair-door-stains/

Happy Painting, 

Cheryl