Versatility in a Faux Wood Finish

Even those homeowners most devoted to having "the real thing" can commonly find circumstances where a faux wood finish is the best option for their home. More and more woods are becoming increasingly difficult or impossible to obtain. The beauty and rarity of exotic woods continue to drive up their price, making it less feasible for a growing number of homeowners.

You may be adding cabinets or other home improvement installations to a room that already has wood accents. Finding the exact match for this real wood can no longer be possible and the closest possible resemblance may be created by a faux wood finish.

Environmental factors can also play a major role in choosing a faux wood finish. In the southeast United States, the annual risk of hurricanes can make metal doors the most responsible installation. If you live in this climate but love the look of wood, you should consider a faux wood finish the ideal compromise.

Wood Graining
Wood graining is the process of creating a faux wood finish. The surface must be cleaned and primed. Using a wood glaze, each area of the surface should be sectioned and painted separately. Two coats must be applied to each section. The second coat should be applied at a slightly different angle to soften the grain and create an authentic effect. For more nuanced effects, a comb and cloth or similar tools can be used. After you have achieved the desired look, a clear topcoat will protect your new finish. Unless you're experienced with wood graining, you should practice on a small area before proceeding.

Hiring a Professional vs. DIY
Wood graining isn't a difficult installation to learn, but it can be difficult to master. Faux wood artisans are able to create flawless reproductions of nearly any type of wood. This expertise involves not only perfecting the glazing application but precise mixtures of the glazing compound itself. This mixture also obviously needs to be altered depending on the nature of the painting surface.

If you just want a cabinet or door to look like wood or have a general idea about its appearance, you can probably complete this project yourself. You'll still want to remind yourself to be patient. The process involves several stages of drying. It's probably best to plan on completely the graining over several evenings.

Ordering a prehung door is another reason to hire a professional for a faux wood finish. Prehung doors should be ordered prefinished to ensure the entire door slab to be covered with the finish. This will allow for easier installation and a better quality door. Faux finishes are best done before the installation begins so the professional can complete the job at his or her shop and avoid the inconveniences involved with drying times.