Sometimes an idea about a technique is hard to imagine in "real life" terms.  I have written many times about my easy faux wood graining technique and it works great on straight surfaces (items without grooves or carving).  But… what if you wanted to faux wood grain a carved or turned post?  Would the same technique still work?

 
Here is just that question from a reader:

I have purchased a metal bed with "twisted" metal (like rope is twisted) posts with finial tops finished to resemble cherry wood.  I would like to refinish them to resemble oak to match the remaining furniture.  I have read where you suggest using a base of yellow ocher with a burnt umber glaze and a chip brush.  Do you think this technique would work on the twisted metal or do you have other suggestions?

Well the answer is Yes!  

First, I would suggest priming the metal with a stain blocking primer.  This will alleviate the worry of any rust or old finish bleeding into the new faux wood grain finish.  

The base coat is the Yellow Ocher color you mentioned.  You can pick that up at any craft store… even 'Wally world' should have some in stock.  It's a color not a brand.  Any brand will do.

For the graining: remember to use a brown that resembles the darkest brown of your oak grain.  You should check the graining on the other furniture in the room to arrive at this color of paint.

The brush I use is a cheap "chip" brush.  Available at any hardware, craft or again Wallyworld store.   The reason I use this style of brush is for the rough texture of the bristles.  And… because it's cheap and I can throw it away after I complete the faux wood graining project.

The difference in using this technique for turned or carved work is that if you let the faux graining glaze collect in the grooves the furniture will look "antiqued" and not like realistic wood.

My suggestion is to have a dry clean chip brush on hand.  Use this brush to carefully "pull" the extra glaze away from the grooves.  The idea is to get the wood faux graining to be the same throughout the entire piece of furniture.

I hope this helps to answer your question.  If you need any more help don't hesitate to ask.

Debra Conrad

THAT Painter Lady 

The Beginner Guides To Professional Finishes - Faux Wood Graining