Achieving an effect similar to natural wood in furniture, decorations and different surfaces is possible with a simple and inexpensive technique. Get to know this marbling and its form of application.
Getting a surface to take on the appearance of wood is possible thanks to a simple painting technique. It is no longer necessary to acquire objects or decorations of this material in all the furniture. With just a couple of specific products and a rubber tool, an imitation wood grain can be achieved..
It is a technique applicable to various surfaces, such as doors, frames and windows. As long as it is not on a porous material, this paint allows a visual effect that makes the original wood forget. If you have a tight budget to buy it, discover the short and easy steps to achieve a quality imitation wood grain.
What is the imitation wood grain technique?
This is a type of faux finish that is intended to mimic the appearance of natural wood.. In this way, it can be simulated that different carpentry and craft objects, such as doors, windows or furniture, were built in said material.
It is used to transform various surfaces with a natural wood effect.
It also serves to accentuate the grain of an already worn wood. That is to say, to recover the texture and the visual format that this material has in an object that lost it. This can happen due to the passage of time or due to the wear of the color. Therefore, the imitation wood grain technique is applied to new elements and others that need to be restored.
Characteristics of imitation wood grain
The central product that achieves this effect is a kind of polyurethane lacquer or enamel.. A job well done should generate surfaces that are visually similar to natural wood. But in addition, the color has to resemble the fibers of this material and a texture that is soft to the touch must be achieved.
Upon completion, the surface finish should be even, smooth, strong and smooth, with no lumps or porosity. On the other hand, an intermediate or satin shine is produced, without reaching a very shiny effect or a dull one.
Where can it be applied and what tools do I need?
The imitation wood grain can be applied on various materials, such as metals, cement, weathered wood or plaster. The important thing is that it is not porous.
Therefore, the technique works for a wide variety of elements that make up the home, both in the structure and in the furniture or decoration. Doors, frames, windows, metal openings, cabinets and appliances are some possible options to transform into false wood.
The materials to be used are very few and easy to obtain. Therefore, in addition to its ease of application, it is a very economical technique.
- Lacquer the specific enamel. The fundamental element is wood effect paint. It can be achieved by combining different shades, depending on personal preferences.
- Brush. It is recommended to use a brush or roller to apply wood effect paints.
- rubber marbling. An object designed to stamp the characteristic knots and veins of wood. It is passed over the surface after applying the paint. You can get it at any home improvement store.
- damp cloth. Necessary to sanitize the veiner between the different passes.
- solvent. At the end of the work, it is advisable to clean the brushes and rollers with this product.
Steps to carry out the imitation wood grain
Once you have all the necessary tools, it is possible to transform the surfaces with a woodgrain effect. It is a simple task, in which a series of steps applied with care and precision suffice.
1. Surface preparation
Beyond the multiple surfaces and materials suitable for this job, it is important to check that they are dry and clean. Prior sanitization must place emphasis on remove blemishes, traces of dust, grease, grime and previous paint.
After the target is polished, some people choose to apply a coat of oil sealer or synthetic wood primer. In the case of metal surfaces, the product must be antirust. While, if it is cement or plaster, a common sealant fixer corresponds.
2. Different colors
In general, the wood that is imitated with this technique is pine, although other shades can be achieved by choosing a color combination. Two shades are mixed: one lighter and one darker. Among the most used are brown, beigeyellow, ocher, green or cream.
3. Primer
It is recommended to apply a previous layer of enamel to produce better posterior fixation. This hand is called primer and consists of making a uniform coating that prepares the surface for the final hand.
4. Paint application
Before opening the bottle, shake it for a few seconds to homogenize the product. When the primer coat is dry, place a new layer that covers the entire surface evenly and without lumps.
If you have two colors, make the first layer with the lighter shade. Once it dries, apply the darker color coat with a roller or brush.
In this way, the marbling effect will be generated. Keep in mind that it is a process similar to the glazing technique.
5. Pass the veiner
Beyond all the previous instances, the main tool of this technique is the veiner. Before the paint dries you have to take this object and pass it over the surface with light movements.
The important thing is to generate the veined effect of the wood.
Move it gently from top to bottom and, from time to time, swing it to create the typical knots of this material. Movement should not be overdone as it can look very artificial. Use the damp cloth to clean the paint from the marbler between the different passes.
Imitation wood grain and other similar techniques
The imitation of wood is not the only variation in the veining technique. The marbling can also be used to achieve a rustic effect with paints of any colour. It is about generating visible lines with different intensities, simulating the movements of the glazing or the hairstyle.
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