DIY Network

Faux Painting Learn how to create a faux-wood look for furniture. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-102

Guest Leslie Neblett joins host Stephanie Lydecker to outline the steps for painting furniture that creates a faux-wood look.

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You can achieve this faux-wood look for your furniture with Leslie's easy technique.

Materials:

very dark brown or black alkyd paint
wood grain tool (available at arts and crafts or home improvement stores)
smock
gloves
mineral spirits
light beige paint
paint brush
shellac or polyurethane
masking tape

	Figure A
	Figure B

Faux Painting

Note: The term "faux bois" literally means "fake wood." It can give inexpensive furniture the depth and richness of some of the best antique furniture around.

1. Choose a very dark brown or black alkyd paint (satin finish) or any good quality oil based paint. Because it is an oil based paint, you will want to put on gloves and a smock to protect your hands and clothes. Have mineral spirits on hand for the clean up.

2. After the base coat of paint has dried, you are ready to create a faux bois finish. Tape the outside edges of the table (figure A) to protect the edge and legs of the table from drips.

3. Use a light beige paint and brush a thin coat of the paint on the top and slowly drag your wood grain tool through the paint (figure B).

4. Use a gentle rocking motion. Be sure to wipe the tool clean each time after you drag it through the paint.

   Tip: If you don't like the effect, you can quickly brush back over it and start again.

5. Repeat the process over the entire surface, and let the paint dry overnight.

6. You can seal the faux paint with a good quality shellac or polyurethane. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions.