Guest Author - Glenwood Sherry
Name: sherri
> Subject woodgraining
> Message: Someone wants me to paint a bathroom door to resemble an outhouse door.Have you ever heard of such a thing!I bought the woodgrainig tool and have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to do but any suggestion?This is a brand new log home and I'm scarred!I'm so afraid to mess it up...
Sherri (love your name!),
Thanks for your e-mail, and what a great idea!
There is a really cool technique that I do to create the look of old barnwood; you could do the same, and add a painted "half moon" to complete the effect!
You might go to Home Depot and pick up several 2'x4' masnite panels to practice on; the technique is simple, but some practice will build up your confidence level.
Have fun, and best wishes,
Glenwood Sherry
Faux Barnwood
Materials:
- TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate)
- 2" or 3" all purpose paint brush
- 150 grit sandpaper
- Benj. Moore's "Fresh Start" White Latex Primer
- Plaid's rocker graining tool (available at most art and paint specialty stores)
- 3M blue Long Mask tape
- Base color – Benj. Moore's #AC-36 AquaPearl Latex Paint
- Graining glaze – 1 part Benj. Moore's #HC-85 AquaPearl Latex Paint mixed with 1 part Benj. Moore's Latex Glazing Liquid
- Optional aging glaze – Artist's Acrylic Raw Umber mixed 1 part paint to 20 parts Benj. Moore's Latex Glazing Liquid
Steps:
1. The key to successfully painting existing paneling or plastic laminate is to clean it with TSP. This cleaner is a powder that is available at most paint stores. Just mix according to instructions on the package, and wash the surface. Let dry.
2. Remove all doors and drawer fronts; mask off the backs; scuff surfaces with the sandpaper.
3. Brush on a layer of the "Fresh Start" primer. Let dry 2-3 days.
4. Brush on a layer of the base color. Let dry 3-4 hours.
5. Mix your graining glaze. Brush a light even coat on in the direction of the faux (fake) grain you want to create.
6. Using your rocking graining tool (start at one end) and press firmly and evenly against the surface as you pull the tool down the surface, slowly rocking the tool as you go.
7. Move to the area directly next to it and repeat step #6. The amount of rocking will vary the grain pattern. Let dry overnight.
8. To add aging use the aging glaze, and, with a slightly damp ‘wool' natural sea sponge, wipe with the grain a light coating of the glaze over the surface. Apply the glaze in a thin coat; you can always add more after the first coat has dried in order to darken the overall effect, but you cannot lighten it once it has dried. You might want to practice on a sample piece in order to get the hang of it.
Note: If painting paneling do one panel board at a time. On wide surfaces use 3M blue mask to create boards. Faux grain one panel at a time, alternating panels. Let dry overnight, pull the masking tape and you're done.
