Services

Wood graining is the technique of specialist painting to depict and imitate real wood on any surface. Techniques and popularity peaked in the nineteenth century, when it became common and fashionable to paint a more exotic wood on top of a cheaper soft wood or plaster surface.

At Decowell, wood graining is carried out to meticulous decorative standards, from straight-grained wood to exotic grains. The methodology and technique varies depending on the type of wood being replicated, for example, an oak grain can be achieved using three layers, but an Amazonian wood such as Pallisandre can take up to five layers to complete. The traditional technique involves the application of pigments and beer for a ground base coat. Modern techniques are successful in attaining the same level of finish, using pigments and an acrylic transporting glaze. Each grain has an individual technique, created with a specific set of specially shaped brushes. Among the most popular grains are oak, mahogany, ash, poplar, pitch pine, walnut, cherry and bird's eye maple.