Wow…faux wood graining is becoming really hot these days. Or… is it that its hot and we think we need a new faux painting technique to learn?
Either way, another question about graining has crossed my desk.
hi, i would like to paint my wood bathroom cabinet. it is a lighter wood color now-and not very grainy. i would like to paint it a dark mahogany or espresso brown color. i saw the technique for a mahogany door and i am thinking of trying that. do you have any suggestions for a little bit darker finish? and would the technique be the same on wood? thanks a lot!
tiffany
Tiffany… Thanks for the great question.
Wood graining technique is the same for cabinets as it is for the paneled doors, with a few exceptions. The paneled doors have a "grain" pressed into the panels, so the grain collects in those teeny, tiny crevices and just enhances the grain pattern.
Wood cabinet doors are usually very smooth, so the wood graining with the brush takes a very light touch with the brush. You are going for tiny little grain lines.
I would use the same colors as the mahogany but you will be adding another layer.
This layer will be a thin…I mean almost sheer glaze and the graining should be heavier. These layers give a lustrous depth and the graining patterns will be pretty realistic.
A new DVD is on the market. Faux Wood Techniques DVD with over 45 minutes of hands on training. Of course… the teacher is your favorite Painter Lady… Me! 
So if your having problems with your graining… Help is on the way:
If anyone has any help for Tiffany… leave a comment!
Technorati Tags: faux wood grain, graining, mohogany, painting, teacher, training
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Do you do your wood graining in oil or water base products?
I have always worked with water based products.
You can do the same technique with oil base products. Some decorative painters feel that oil based might hold up better on hard use objects like cabinet doors.
The doors I have painted have held up to lots of wear and tear.
Go with your gut… It really is all only paint and can be fixed with more paint, or stain. Either way is creative.
I have a question on cabinet doors. What type of clear finish do you usually use. When I have painted with latex paint I have used a water based Polycrylic. I feel that oil holds up better, but I have not found a finsh that doesn’t turn lighter color cabinets a yellow.
Do you have any suggestions.
Vicki
Whimsical Walls
Hi Vicki,
Their are oil based finish coats that claim that they do not turn yellow. I have not found one yet that lives up to this claim.
I agree that oil based products do seem to hold up better on cabinets, but it is a trade of with the discoloration of the top coat.
Anyone have any suggestions for Vicki?
I painted the walls of a small vestibule dark brown (eggshell) and the trim white (semi gloss). I love the color but it needs something. What can I do to give it a punch or “wow” factor?
Hi Julz
A tiny room painted a dark, rich color like espresso brown can really give the area some drama.
Even with white trim painted in semi gloss, the room can seem a bit dead.
Tiny dark rooms need to be given jewel box appeal. This can come from actually doing something cool to the walls or with the accessories.
If you are able to add lots of sparkle with lighting, mirrors and other shiny things… then this may be the way to go. It will be expensive.
Or… you can had jewel box shimmer to your walls. This can be accomplished with a painting technique or with stencils. Either technique uses metallic paints.
Rolling on a metallic faux finish in bronzed gold will give the room a bit of an old word look to the walls.
A stencil all over pattern with a traditional style stencil using multiple colors of metallic paints will give a huge amount of drama without spending the farm.
Here is one that Stencil Ease sells that is a >beautiful scroll stencil.
Hope this helps… Debra
I currently have a bathroom vanity that is painted white. I would like to change the color to a dark espresso. What is the best method to do this.
Mary Theresa, Did you ever get an answer regarding painting your vanity dark? I would like to do the same thing, but not sure how.