How to Get Paint to Resemble Stain

Oak Wood Faux Stain

• 1

  Set up your supplies in a well-ventilated area, and put on rubber gloves. If you're planning on working close to the paint, wear a face mask for protection.

• 2

  Clean the surface of the piece of furniture or cabinets you're painting -- removing any existing oils or dirt -- using household cleaners. Sand down any gloss from the old paint, using 80-grit or 100-grit sandpaper, or a small finishing sander.

• 3

  Cover up all surfaces not to be painted with blue painter's tape. Remove hardware like knobs, pulls and hinges.

• 4

  Prime bare wood with alkyd wood primer.

• 5

  Apply a coat of latex interior paint, tinted to a color that matches the wood stain you'd like your furniture or cabinets to imitate. For example, an oak finish would require the use of a light tan latex interior paint. Allow this base coat to dry thoroughly.

• 6

  Apply another thin coat of the latex paint, using a lint-free cloth or small paintbrush. Paint one section at a time.

• 7

  Practice using the graining tool on scrap pieces of wood, so you'll know how long of a grain to create on your surface. Press down on the tool, using your index finger, and move it at a steady speed -- rocking it back and forth to leave the grain stamp on the paint. Move to the next painted section, once you're satisfied with the grain imprint.

• 8

  Allow the paint to dry for 18 to 24 hours.

• 9

  Wipe or paint on another thin layer of latex paint. Use a dry brush or cloth to feather out any streaks. Allow drying time of two hours before adding the top coat.

• 10

  Apply a coat of fast-drying oil varnish or polyurethane varnish to protect your faux wood stain.