Painting a Fake Wood Grain

Painting a fake wood grain is much easier than most people think; it just requires a little extra skill. Many artists have learned the dry brush technique that when used properly looks very much like a wood grain from a distance. Many people use this technique to paint furniture, walls, cabinets, and trim.

Step 1: Pick out three colors, one being the main color of the wood, one being a very light honey color, and the other being a darker brown.

Step 2: Paint the entire project with the base color and allow it to dry.

Step 3: To dry brush the fake grain, touch the tip of a wide bristled brush into one of the other colors of paint. Brush most of it off on a scrap newspaper and then lightly drag the brush across your project's surface.

Step 4: Repeat the same dry brushing technique with your final color.

Tips for Dry Brushing a Wood Grain

The most important factor in dry brushing is to never have too much paint on the brush or use too much pressure. It works best with an old brush with loose fibers. If you mess up painting the grain you can go back over it with the main color and try again.