How To Paint Woodgrain?

[Smiling Demon]

I recently purchased the Lindberg Pirate Pistol model kits and I need to paint the plastic stock to look like real wood. Can someone give me some pointers as to how to simulate woodgrain?
I saw a post somewhere where someone painted gun grips, resin I think< to look like real wooden grips!

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Well, I can't find the tutorial - I believe it was on Sci-Fire's site.

But the way I did mine was paint the wood parts black, then brushed on some ivory, making sure to leave a lot of streaks so the black shone through. Then I gave washes of light and dark brown on top of it all and sealed it with semi-gloss clear coat. (based on the tutorial)

Sorry, don't have any pictures, but imo it looked convincing. Though, there are different approaches depending on what kind of wood and finish to simulate.

 

[Gigatron]

There are quite a few ways to get a wood grain effect.

The way sci-fire was doing it used black enamel, off-white latex and sprayable wood stains. Spray the base with krylon gloss black enamel and let it dry. Then get some off-white latex paint in the can (one of the small pint cans is more than enough) and a stiff-bristled brush. Brush the latex on, creating a wood grain pattern and allowing the black to show through. After that has fully cured, spray with the wood stains (darker colors like dark walnut and cherry are best). Allow that to dry and then lightly mist the entire piece with krylon flat black enamel, adding a bit more to the corners and areas of wear (where grime would build up or the wood would darken from the oils in your skin).

Another method we use in model building (you'd be surprised how many WWII aircraft had simple wooden floors) is simpler, but I don't know if it scales up well. Paint the base a cream color (enamels are more durable), then use artists oils (shades of yellow ochre and brown) to color and add the woodgrain texture. Oils take a long time to cure, so this isn't the fastest method, plus the finish will probably be lighter in color than you're looking for - though I guess you could just change the colors around (start with a dark base and add a lighter color oil).

Hope that helps some.

-Fred

 

[Lan Jenn]

The way I was taught by Dennis Matthewson, the master of faux wood grain, was to take a dry sponge and tear it in half. Dip one half of the sponge on the edge that is torn into your darker color to get the grains. Then spray your lighter color, making sure it's a candy color so it's transparent, over the grain. If you use an airbrush you need to spray the candy heavier along the grains. Be sure to clear it. This will give you the most amazingly real wood grains. It's very easy to do if you're a beginner, too. Here's a link to his site.

http://www.cosmicairbrush.com/

 

[Smiling Demon]

Thanks guys!

The one I'm working one first is a light color like a maple and the others are kinda darker wood color!
I didn't realize there was so much to it. I paint a lot of models just never had to simulate wood before!

 

[superjedi]

I've used the sci-fire tutorial on blaster stocks. Seems the page is down, though. Here's the link in case it ever comes back up again:

http://sci-fire.com/how_to_wood_grain.htm

EDIT: The main page says "Under Construction" so the links may change.

 

[carves]

Unless you want to try painting wood your self, then easiest way will be to get your self a water decal blank sheet. Go and search the wood pattern you like and then print it on the blank water sheet decal.

Spray acrylic gloss to seal it. Once dry, just transfer the decal to your object. When decal is completely dry, give it another gloss paint.

 

[Smiling Demon]

I thought about decals but there are a lot of curves and honestly I don't think I can make it happen with decals.

Thanks for the link, I'll keep a watch on it!

 

[carves]

I thought about decals but there are a lot of curves and honestly I don't think I can make it happen with decals.

Thanks for the link, I'll keep a watch on it!

Here is a link for you Kenny. Hope this helps

http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=825
http://cs.finescale.com/forums/947079/ShowPost.aspx

 

[Smiling Demon]

Here is a link for you Kenny. Hope this helps

http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=825
http://cs.finescale.com/forums/947079/ShowPost.aspx

Thanks for the link!!