How to Create a Faux Wood Finish With Wood Stain

Sand the surface to be grained using a random orbit sander and 100-grit paper. This will scuff up the existing finish on the surface to allow the paint to adhere properly.

Choose a wood grain to emulate. Examples can be found on sample chips for wood stains. Purchase or mix a flat paint base coat to the lightest color in the wood sample. Purchase two stain colors, one a medium tone from the sample, the other matching the darkest color in the sample.

Paint the base color on the surface with a soft-bristle brush. Work in long straight strokes in line with the direction your artificial grain will run. Work to prevent runs and drips in the finish. Apply a second coat if needed to cover the entire surface. Allow the paint to dry.

Use a clean dry brush to apply the stain. Start with the medium color first. Dip just the tips of the bristles into the stain. Scrape as much stain off using the edge of the can as possible. Brush along the surface to be grained, applying a light coat of streaky grain lines across the surface. Avoid reworking areas already dry-brushed with the medium color. Step back to check for evenness in the application. Continue until the surface is evenly grained. Allow this coat to dry thoroughly.

Apply the darkest color with a dry clean brush in the same manner as the medium tone. This is the shadow of the grain. Use it slightly more sparingly than the medium tone. Step back frequently to check the effect. Use the sample chip as a guideline for attaining the grain effect. Allow the stain to dry.

Brush on two coats of clear acrylic finish over the stain to seal the finish with a soft-bristle brush. Work in the direction of the grain, spreading the finish as evenly as possible. Allow the label recommended drying time between coats and work to prevent runs and drips in the finish.