From small projects like picture frames to large pieces of furniture or even walls, it’s possible to make almost any object look like real wood with the right painting techniques. So, how do you paint anything to look like wood? And what kind of paint should you use?
To make any object look like wood, use latex-based paints and start by sanding and priming the surface before painting it with an opaque base color. Then layer semi-transparent colors mixed with glaze to create shadows and highlights. Paint in the direction of the grain with stiff-bristled brushes.
Let’s look at the materials needed and the best paint for a faux wood finish. We’ll also look at how to create different wood grain effects, tips for painting large surfaces and walls, and how to get a realistic wood finish on small surfaces.
Materials Needed for Faux Wood Painting
Creating a realistic wood finish requires the right materials and paints. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Water-Based Primer: This primer from Zinsser (on Amazon) is a good option for one-coat coverage to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Sander (optional): If you’re working with a piece of furniture with an existing finish, you must sand it down with a palm sander (on Amazon) before applying primer.
- 120-Grit Sandpaper: If you don’t have a sander or are working on a smaller piece, you can sand by hand.
- Base Coat: The base coat should be water-based acrylic latex paint in a satin finish. Most hardware stores will have 8 oz sample sizes similar to this one from KILZ (on Amazon).
- Mixing Glaze: Mix your paint with glaze like this one from Amy Howard at Home (on Amazon), to create the wood grain effect.
- Paint for the First Layer and Second Layer: Creating a wood grain effect requires two layers of paint in different colors.
- Top Coat (recommended): A clear top coat, like this one (on Amazon), will help to protect the finish and make it more durable.
- Paint Brushes: Synthetic bristle brushes work best for the base and color coats. These ones from Presa (on Amazon), are a good option and come in various sizes.
- Foam Brushes (optional): You can use a paintbrush to add the top coat, but a foam brush (on Amazon) will give a smoother finish and leave fewer brush strokes.
- Wood Graining Rocker (optional): A wood graining rocker (on Amazon) is a tool that makes it easy to create a realistic wood grain effect.
- Drop Cloth or Plastic Sheeting: Either of these will protect the surface you’re working on from paint drips and spills.
- Sponge or Lint-Free Cloth: Use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away dust after sanding surfaces.
Which Types of Paint Look Like Wood?
Water-based acrylic latex paint is easy to work with, dries quickly, and is durable once it dries.
For the base coat, use water-based acrylic latex paint with a satin finish in the undertone of the wood you want to mimic. So, for example, you would use a dark brown color for a dark wood like walnut.
For your layers, choose shades to create high and low lights. For example, if you use a light beige as your base, you could use a golden brown and a dark tan for your layers.
How to Paint Faux Wood Grain
Before you start, protect the surface you’re working on by covering it with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting.
1. Sand the Surface
If you’re painting a wood or faux wood surface with an existing finish, lightly sand the surface with your palm sander or 120-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and help the primer adhere. If you’re working with bare wood, you can skip this step.
Wipe away any dust with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.
2. Apply Primer
Primer only needs to be applied if you’re unsure of the paint type on the existing surface or if it’s stained wood. Raw wood or surfaces previously painted with latex paint don’t need primer.
To apply the primer, brush in the direction of the wood grain. If you’re working on a laminate surface without an existing wood grain, brush lengthwise. Your brushstrokes will simulate wood grain texture, so avoid painting in a random pattern.
Allow the primer to dry for the time recommended on the can before continuing to the next step.
3. Paint the Base Layer
The base layer is a solid, opaque color that will show through the semi-transparent glaze layers. Use light to medium shades to complement the color of your glaze.
To apply the base layer, brush on the paint the same way you applied the primer, by following the grain. One coat should be sufficient because you’ll be adding glaze layers.
Allow the base layer to dry overnight before continuing. You can read our painting guide here.
4. Mix the Glaze
Create your glaze by mixing water, paint, and a clear glaze. The ratio is 1 part water to 2 parts each glaze and paint.
So, if you use 1 cup of water, mix 2 cups of glaze and 2 cups of paint. For smaller surfaces, you can mix 1 tablespoon of water with 2 tablespoons each of glaze and paint. Stir the mixture until it is smooth with a thin consistency.
Tip: If your glaze is too thick, add more water. If it’s too thin, add more paint or glaze.
5. Paint the First Glaze Layer
Paint the first layer by covering the entire surface with a thin glaze coating. After it’s fully coated, start at the top and brush the glaze from left to right. Keep the brush in contact with the surface to avoid leaving irregular brush strokes.
To enhance the wood grain effect, dab the brush on paper towels every few strokes to remove excess glaze.
Because the mixed glaze is malleable, you can go back and forth over the same areas until you’re happy with the results. Once satisfied, allow the glaze to dry for at least 2 hours.
6. Paint the Second Glaze Layer
Paint the second layer the same way you did the first, except this time, use a thinner coat of glaze so that some of the first layer shows through — unless you want a darker stain.
Allow the second layer to dry completely before adding a top coat.
7. Add a Top Coat
Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth, so that it’s clean and dry. With a foam brush, apply the top coat in long, even strokes following the direction of the grain.
Let the top coat cure before using the surface. Cure times can take several weeks, so read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Using a Woodgrain Rocker on Large Surfaces & Walls
A woodgrain rocker is a hand tool that imprints a wood grain texture into the paint and can speed up the process of painting larger surfaces.
After applying the glaze mixture, rock the woodgrain rocker up and down while pulling it over the glaze. Work section by section, applying glaze and rocking the tool, then wiping the rocker and brush after each section.
Let the glaze dry completely before adding a top coat.
Using a Brush on Small Surfaces
When working on small surfaces or projects, use acrylic craft paint like this one (on Amazon) in a medium color as the base coat and light and dark shades for shadows and highlights.
Apply a primer as usual and allow it to dry, then paint the entire surface with the base coat color. Once it has dried, coat the entire surface with the base color and let it dry completely.
Then, use a dry brush to apply the darker color first, covering the entire surface. Once that coat has dried, apply the lighter color.
Paint only one coat of each color. Apply it with a clean, dry brush and wipe excess paint off the brush on a paper towel as you paint because the dry brush strokes create the woodgrain look.