Simulate the look of real wood with a faux wood-grain technique using gel stain and a tool called a wood-graining rocker. Our project features a table, but try it on doors, furniture, walls or just about any smooth surface. Materials:
Wooden table
Low-luster latex enamel in yellow ochre
Gel stain in dark brown or black
Paintbrush
Wood-graining rocker
Clean rags
Clear acrylic polyurethane
- Apply a base coat of low-luster latex enamel. We're using a beige-toned yellow ochre. Other choices for a wood look include burnt sienna and red oxide. For a wild nonwood look, use any color you wish.
- Brush one stroke of gel stain on the base-coated project (figure A). Slide a wood-graining rocker through the wet glaze, rocking it slowly at intervals to create a wood-grain effect (figure B). Start at one end of the stroke, and keep going in one continuous motion to the other end.
- Continue, stroke after stroke, wiping the picked-up glaze from the rocker as you go along. Vary the look from row to row by using the notched edge of the rocker to comb through the glaze (figure C) instead of rocking through it. Using the two patterns alternately will give a natural wood-grain look.
- When one surface is combed but before the glaze dries completely, use a clean paintbrush or rag to go over the surface again lightly to soften the grain.
- When the paint is completely dry, seal the surface with a coat or two of clear polyurethane sealer.
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