Description
The Art of Painted Wood Graining
Five-Day Intensive Course
This five-day, hands-on course teaches the traditional art of creating realistic wood grain finishes with paint. Students will learn how to study the structure and character of real wood, mix the proper colors and glazes, and use professional graining tools and brushes.
Throughout the week, students will work on large 2-by-4-foot practice panels while learning to recreate several wood species, including:
- Maple — heart grain and straight grain
- Oak — straight grain
- Pine — heart grain and straight grain
- Walnut — heart grain and straight grain
- Mahogany — flame grain
We will begin with surface preparation, base colors, brush control, glazing, and basic grain patterns. As the course progresses, students will move into more detailed techniques, including heart grain, straight grain, figuring, overglazing, shading, and finishing.
Students will also learn how wood grows and how its grain changes around knots, branches, compression areas, and other natural features. Understanding the structure of real wood is an important part of making painted wood grain look believable.
The course will cover:
- Preparing surfaces for wood graining
- Choosing and mixing ground colors
- Preparing oil-based and water-based glazes
- Proper use of brushes, steel combs, crayons, and graining tools
- Creating realistic grain patterns and wood characteristics
- Building depth with glazing and overglazing
- Tool care and maintenance
- Protecting and finishing completed work
- Applying wood graining to doors, furniture, trim, and architectural surfaces
Most of the course will be spent working at the bench, with demonstrations followed by hands-on practice. Students will receive individual instruction and guidance throughout the week.
All paints, glazes, tools, brushes, and practice panels are included in the course fee. Students should bring suitable work clothing or an apron.
Students will leave with their completed study panels, a better understanding of traditional painted wood graining, and the skills needed to continue practicing and applying the techniques to future projects.
Total: 2100.00
Deposit: 1100.00
A 50% deposit is due at registration to reserve your spot in the class. The remaining balance is due on the first morning of class.
Each student will receive a welcome email within two business days of registration. This email will include all class details, including the address, parking information, and anything else needed before arrival.
