Faux Wood Grain Stencil Instructions

Any of our Wood Grain Stencils can be used to create any number of wood types. Though various woods have specific graining patterns, the background colors you choose and the final coat of wood stain are important in creating the look of the wood type you are after.

The following stencil instructions, complete with photos are included with your stencil purchase. Always remember to practice any new technique or design on paper or art board before applying to the surface.

Step 1-Paint the wood background. These are fun and easy! Wood typically is not just one color but a combination of colored stripes that are lights and darks of the same color tone. Mix colors with translucent wall glaze at a ratio of 3 parts glaze to one part paint. To make application quick and easy, dip one side of your brush in to the darker paint and one side in to the light color (see more about colors at the end). Stroke on to the surface in a wavy pattern then blend. You are looking to achieve a striped surface that is well blended.

Background as it looks finished

Step 2-Tape the stencil to the surface and using a paint brush, apply a 3^rd, darker color, (see our color recommendations below) again mixed with translucent glaze. Wipe off excess paint before applying to stencil then paint in the same direction as the wood grain.

Steps 3 and 4. Remove the stencil then using a dry brush, drag the bristles over the top of the stenciled grain to slightly blur the lines. Wipe brush clean in between strokes to clean. Do not over brush as you want to maintain the look of graining and not just streaks of blurred paint.

Step 5: After the stenciling has dried, apply wood stain over the entire surface with a paint brush. Always apply in the direction of the grain. Wipe excess off immediately with a dry rag, again going in the direction of the grain. Varnish your new wood surface as desired, once all paint is completely dry. We prefer using "gel" stains for their non-drip qualities and ease of use on vertical surfaces.

Stencil can be flipped or reversed for varied grain and for repeating if desired.

Colors to use for different types of wood effects:

Maple Wood: Cream and pale yellow background paint combination, light brown as grain color, then use “maple” as the stain.

Light Oak: Light yellow and gold (not metallic) background paint combination, medium brown for graining, then use “Oak” stain.

Medium Oak: Medium Gold (not metallic) and light brown background combination, medium brown as grain color and “Medium Oak” as your stain color.

Mahogany: Light brown and medium reddish brown as background combination, dark brown for grain then stain with mahogany stain color.

Any color combinations can be used with any one of our stencil designs to achieve the depth of color and grain you are looking for.

Fun color combinations can be used as well! Try pink graining over a cream white background on a little girls dresser then simply varnish with clear, non-yellowing varnish….

Try metallic gold veining over a black back ground then varnish in high gloss for elegant furniture!

Try metallic silver graining over a dark gray background for fabulous bathroom cabinets!

Again, we stress that you do a sample board of your intended finish and practice your stencil graining before applying it to a permanent surface.

Questions? Email me at stencilstoplaster@yahoo.com

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