Glazing Pt IV - Faux Wood Grain

The final installment (for now) using Acrylic Glaze is how to create a faux wood grain pattern. I LOVE this technique.

I will be using these vintage wood grain stamping tools that I found and was lucky enough to win at a local auction. They are so cool looking and have lots of character from years of use. I even have the original info that came with them!

You can pick up new wood grain tools at hardware and home improvement stores for around 3-10.00... most I've seen in the 4.00 or 5.oo range. Just depends on the individual stores and their mark ups.

The tools are curved and the whole idea behind these tools is a dragging - rocking motion. You simply drag and rock the stamp over the glazing medium. That's it...the stamp will do the rest!

I tell you it is EASY!! Now, I don't claim to know how to create various types of wood grains (maple, oak, cherry, etc.) to be honest I don't even know what the difference really is but I promise you will be making great looking faux wood in mere minutes. The "professionals" make it sound so hard like it takes years of practice but it's all bull. For our crafty purposes you'll be a pro after just a few strokes.

Now, below are a few examples of the various types of wood patterns I created in just seconds.

I used the normal 5-1 ratio Glazing Medium/Acrylic Paint mix. After it was mixed well, I slathered the paint on white cardstock (to show the pattern really well) and here we go....

4" Wood Grain Stamp Tool

2 1/2" Wood Grain Stamp Tool

This is a rough sawn wood grain tool...it's even easier to use because it's a roller!

And here is a combo of the 4" & 2 1/2" wood grain tools alternated.

Cool huh?

Now I know it helps to see it so later today I'll be posting a video on this technique!

Hope you enjoy!!