How to Paint Faux Wood Grain

Sand the surface to remove noticeable texture or surface defects. This sanding can be done by hand or with an electric palm sander. Begin with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the texture, sanding in circular motions. Once the first sanding is complete, sand again with 120-grit and a third time with 180-grit to refine and smooth the surface.

Apply two coats of primer in a color a few shades lighter than your desired wood color. Allow each coat of primer to dry fully.

Apply a coat of wood glaze to the surface with a rag. The coverage doesn't need to be perfectly smooth so long as there are no large bare spots.

Drag a wood graining tool, which is a curved texture pad on a handle, through the wet glaze to simulate grain. The tool will automatically wipe away everything except for the grain texture. Every now and then rock the pad as you drag it to create a knot in the wood. If you make a mistake, simply wipe on fresh glaze in that area and texture it again.

Continue dragging the tool in even, slightly overlapping rows until the entire surface has a wood grain texture.

Allow the glaze to dry for 24 hours.

Brush another layer of glaze onto the surface with a 2-inch chip brush, following the grain direction that you have established. This glaze can be slightly darker than the grain coat if desired, or you can simply use the same color.

Brush the wet glaze lightly with a clean, dry chip brush to add a bit more texture.

Allow the glaze to dry for 24 hours.

Seal the surface with a coat of UV-resistant polyurethane if it is going to be exposed to sunlight.