The Art of Graining
by Nat Weinstein
Graining is one of the most useful
decorating techniques an old-house
restorer can master. It can hide a
multitude of sins-damaged doors or
woodwork, or furniture not worthy
of stripping-and it is an authentic
traditional treatment for painted
surfaces.
As in finger painting, graining uses
a semitransparent paint, streaked to
produce an interesting design. But in
graining, the design imitates the
appearance of natural wood.
One of the easiest grains to imitate
is walnut. A sample piece of finished
walnut should be kept nearby as a
guide. We will proceed step-by-step
in preparing, undercoating, and
graining a small piece of furniture.
The principles apply to other wood
grains and types of woodwork as
well.
Unfinished or stripped