How to Create Faux Wood

Solid wood can be expensive and heavy, but many designers and homeowners like the look of wood grain in their homes. You can recreate this look on a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic or lower-quality wood by using a wood grain tool. The wood grain tool has a rounded end that has a fake wood grain pattern on it. You can run the pattern over a wood stain to achieve the wood grain effect. You can purchase a wood grain tool at any hardware or home improvement store.

Cloths
Paintbrush
Stain
Polyurethane

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the item as much as possible so that there is no dust or dirt on it.
- 2
  Wipe a thin layer of stain on the surface with a cloth. Do not use a brush, as it can leave lines on the surface that may interfere with the process. Wipe the stain on the surface in the same direction that you are going to place the grain.
- 3
  Pull the rocking wood grain tool across the surface while the stain is still wet. Rock the tool slowly as you pull it in a straight line. If you make a mistake, simply wipe a clean cloth over the area to redistribute the stain and try again.
- 4
  Let the stain dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 5
  Apply another coat of stain with a cloth over the wood grain. Apply a thin coat if you would like the stain to be very visible. Apply a thick coat if you would like to hide most of it. This will create a more subtle wood grain effect.
- 6
  Brush the item with a dry and clean brush to even any lines or soak up any excess stain that may be pooling in a crevice. Allow the stain to dry completely.
- 7
  Apply a protective coat of polyurethane, and let it dry completely before using the item.

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