Painting a Metal Kitchen to Look Like Wood

Remove handles or other hardware with a screwdriver. If hardware cannot be removed, cover it with painter's tape to prevent the transfer of paint and stain. Use drop cloths where needed.

Most steel doors and cabinets come pre-painted or primed white. Apply a base coat of paint in your desired color. Ocher is a popular base color when wood graining. Allow it to dry overnight.

Clean the painted metal with mineral spirits and a lint-free cloth. Ensure no dust or lint is present before staining.

Wipe an even and consistent coat of wood stain to one section at a time. Wipe the wood stain on in the direction a natural grain would follow on each area. Be careful to watch for drips and remove them as they appear.

Place the wood graining tool into the stain and drag it in the direction you want your wood grain to go. Use a consistent speed and apply consistent pressure to the graining tool. It may take several attempts to perfect the look you want to achieve. If you don't achieve the look you want, simply apply more stain and try again. Clean the tool occasionally to prevent clogging. Use a clean, dry brush in tight corners. When it's completed, allow the area to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Apply a coat of polyurethane sealer. If you're wood-graining a metal door exposed to a lot of sunlight, use an exterior polyurethane product.