Before explaining anything lemme clear that “What does it mean by Paint that Looks Like Wood?” Its actually a paint that looks like wood means a type of paint (or a paint kit) that can make a surface look like real wood, even if it is not made of wood.
For example:
- If you have a metal door, concrete floor, or old furniture, you can use this paint to give it a wood-grain effect.
- These paints often come with special tools (like wood-graining brushes or rollers) that create lines and patterns similar to natural wood.
- The final result makes the surface appear as if it’s wood, though it’s actually just painted.
In short: it’s a faux finish paint that imitates the look of wood on non-wood materials.
In this blog I will share the Paints that Looks Like Wood ,their pros and cons ,how long they can work and how to apply.
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1. Paints Mimicking Wood Grain on Non-Wood Surfaces
ZAR® Interior Oil Base Stain (ZAR)
Description: ZAR Interior Oil Base Stain is a full-bodied wipe-on stain and sealant that quickly adds a translucent wood-tone finish.
It “wipes on as easily as furniture polish” and seals in one coat, making it ideal for faux-wood decorating on diverse substrates.
It was even formulated to “achieve a gorgeous effect” on previously painted or varnished surfaces without stripping.
Typical use cases include creating a faux woodgraining on cabinets, doors, metal panels, or wall surfaces.
Surfaces: Applicable to a wide range of surfaces – real wood, faux wood (laminate, veneer), plastic, fiberglass, Masonite®, MDF, and metal. It bonds well to non-porous substrates (fiberglass, metal, rubber, etc.) and can be used on interior doors or decorative panels.
Application
Wipe or brush on with a cloth, foam applicator, or natural bristle brush.
Apply like furniture polish and allow it to penetrate briefly, then wipe off excess to even the color. It dries in ~3 hours and cleans up with mineral spirits.
Often used with a wood-graining tool or comb after applying, to pull realistic grain patterns.
Pros
Creates a rich, wood-like tone and can stain and seal in one step.
Covers uniformly without streaks due to its “controlled penetration” formula. Excellent adhesion and durability on wood and non-wood panels, and tinted easily or mixed to custom hues. One coat often suffices, saving time.
Cons
ng oil-based, it requires solvent cleanup and has stronger odor.
It must be applied carefully (lap marks can show otherwise). The finish is translucent, so surface texture and previous paint can show through – opaque coverage requires a base coat.
Also, it is mainly for interiors (not rated for exterior use).
Buy/Info: ZAR Interior Oil Base Stain – ZAR® (official).
Retique It Wood’n Stain “Liquid Wood” (Retique It)
Description
Retique It Wood’n Stain is a patented “liquid wood” coating containing real wood fibers. It applies like a paint but dries into a genuine wood layer.
According to the maker, it lets you “paint it on for an incredible real wood finish” on virtually any hard surface.
Because actual wood fiber is bound in the formula, the cured finish looks and feels like wood. It’s water-based and low-VOC, safe for indoor use.
Surfaces
Works on virtually any hard surface – cabinets, furniture, drywall, concrete, metal, plastic, tile, and more. (Exception: not recommended on oil-based/silicone surfaces.) Can be used indoors or outdoors on suitable substrates.
Application
Apply with brush, roller or airless sprayer over a primed surface, then drag wood-graining tools (rocker, comb) through the wet coating to create grain patterns. It is sold as a kit (with stain and tools) but can be applied alone as a brown-tinted finish.
Dries in ~2 hours between coats. Up to three coats may be applied for depth, with light sanding between coats.
Pros
Actual wood content means an authentic texture and grain. It’s eco-friendly (biodegradable, nearly zero VOC) and water cleanup. Extremely versatile – you literally “paint on wood” on stone or concrete.
Can be tinted (e.g. weathered, mahogany) or topcoated for color variation. Finished surface is durable and can be clear-coated for protection.
Cons
Cost is higher than regular paint (wood fiber adds expense). Coverage is moderate (typically 100–150 sq.ft per kit, depending on thickness). Requires skill/time to apply multiple coats and drag tools for realistic grain.
The finish color is somewhat uniform wood-tone – custom shading requires glazing or tinted topcoats.
Buy/Info: Retique It Wood’n Stain (Liquid Wood) – Retique It.
Giani Wood Look Paint Kit (Giani)
Description
Giani Wood Look Paint Kits are two-part paint systems (base coat + wood-grain glaze) designed for exterior doors and large panels.
Each kit lets you “paint your garage door and front door to look like real wood” in a single day. Giani offers various wood species tones (Honey Oak, English Oak, Mahogany, etc.) complete with special rollers and mitts.
It’s marketed for homes: after base-coating, a second coat (glaze with graining roller) produces realistic knots and grain.
Surfaces
Intended for exterior/interior doors and panels, especially steel or fiberglass garage and entry doors. It also works on smooth wood or siding. It’s weather-resistant once cured, so suitable for front doors, patio ceilings, or shutters.
Application
Follow kit instructions: apply the wood-tone base coat (2 coats for full coverage), then apply the wood-grain finish coat over it.
The kit includes a special faux-wood roller (graining roller) or sponge tool and step-by-step instructions.
Two people can often complete a two-car garage door in a few hours. No special primer is usually needed beyond surface prep.
Pros
Delivers an eye-catching wood appearance on large areas without using real wood.
Kits include everything needed (paints, tools, tape, drop cloths) for one door. Low-odor, low-VOC formula, and quick-drying; the finish is durable and UV-resistant.
Available in multiple wood tones for customization.
Cons
Only works well on certain smooth substrates (doors with recessed panels).
Multiple coats and careful tool work are required for realism, which can be time-consuming. Not as durable as real wood grain in the long term – must be re-coated every few years outdoors. Limited to the kit’s wood-shade options.
Buy/Info: Giani Wood Look Kit – Giani Inc. (Honey Oak Garage Door Kit).
2. Wood-Colored Paints (Brown Tones) for General Use
BEHR™ Red Mahogany Transparent Wood Stain (Behr)
Description
This Behr interior wood stain in “Red Mahogany” is formulated to deliver a deep brown wood tone on interior wood surfaces. It’s a gel-like transparent stain (3-in-1 formula) that “performs like a penetrating, wiping and gel stain.”
In practice, it gives cabinets, furniture or trim a rich mahogany hue in one coat.
Surfaces
Designed for interior wood (horizontal or vertical surfaces). Can be used on doors, paneling, furniture, shelves – any unfinished or stripped wood indoors.
(Not intended for non-wood substrates without proper primer.)
Application
Wipe on with a cloth or brush, allow to penetrate briefly, then remove excess for uniform coverage.
As a gel stain, it’s easier to control on vertical surfaces (won’t run). One coat provides strong color (per product data), with quick 2-hour dry time (recoat at 4 hours). Clean up with mineral spirits.
Pros
High pigment gives a dark, even color (one-coat coverage claims). The gel-like consistency reduces drips and sags. Low odor and easy interior cleanup. Because it’s a stain (not paint), it preserves wood grain while tinting.
Less expensive and readily available (sold at Home Depot, Lowes).
Cons
Only works on bare wood; existing paint/varnish must be removed.
Being transparent, it does not hide wood defects. Color choice is fixed (mahogany tint), and wood grain will still show through prominently. Not UV-resistant (indoor use only).
Buy/Info: BEHR Red Mahogany Wood Stain – Home Depot.
Minwax® Gel Stain (Minwax)
Description
Minwax Gel Stain is a thick, oil-based stain that “adds natural colors” to wood (and non-wood) surfaces. It’s non-drip, making it ideal for vertical projects.
When used in a wood faux finish context, Gel Stain in dark browns (Walnut, Dark Walnut, etc.) can be brushed or wiped onto furniture, paneling or even metal to mimic wood. It leaves a translucent, wood-like color rather than a solid paint finish.
Surfaces
Primarily formulated for wood, but also adheres to “non-wood surfaces including metal, veneer, and fiberglass.” It’s widely used on interior woodwork, and can even refinish old MDF cabinets or fiberglass doors.
Application
Apply with a high-quality natural-bristle brush or cloth. Wipe on generously and then wipe off excess to ensure even tone.
The non-drip gel allows time to achieve an even application. It dries slowly (24–48 hr) and is top-coatable. Additional coats can deepen color. Clean up with mineral spirits.
Pros
Produces deep brown tones with minimal blotchiness.
Gel consistency “makes application easy for vertical surfaces” (no runs). Excellent for achieving “the rich look of natural wood” on surfaces like fiberglass/metal doors.
One-quart coverage (~100–150 sq.ft) is good for small to medium projects. Non-toxic when dry.
Cons
As a stain, wood grain texture still shows; it won’t hide flaws. Only semi-transparent (so multiple coats for opaque look). Longer dry time. Because it’s oil-based, use outdoors only in very well-ventilated areas. Requires solvent for cleanup.
Buy/Info: Minwax Gel Stain (Walnut) – Lowe’s.
Valspar® Wood-Toned Interior Paints (Valspar)
Description
Valspar (Sherwin-Williams) offers many brown wood-tone shades in its interior paint lines (e.g. Cabin Plank, Brown Velvet, Roasted Coffee, etc.). Unlike stains, these are opaque latex paints with a rich brown color, designed to make walls or furniture look “wood-like” simply by color.
According to Valspar, brown hues “bring warmth and easily complement wood floors, furniture, [and] décor,” making them popular for faux-wood styling.
Surfaces
Any interior surface normally painted – drywall, wood trim, cabinets, shelving, or repurposed furniture.
Because these are paints, they adhere to plaster, drywall, MDF, etc., as well as primed wood. Choose an appropriate sheen (flat, eggshell, satin) for the project.
Application
Brush, roll or spray as you would any latex paint. Use a primer if painting over dark or slick surfaces.
Many wood-tone colors have matching tinted primer or are sold as “paint + primer” for one-coat application. Several thin coats provide an even solid brown finish. Optional: after drying, a clear faux-glazing over the brown base can add woodgrain depth.
Pros
Readily available (home centers) and easy to apply with regular painting tools. Provides a uniform woodlike color in one step. Lower odor (water-based) than oil-based stains. Durable finish suitable for walls/furniture.
Wide choice of brown shades (warm and cool browns) to match any wood décor.
Cons
Does not have actual grain or texture – just color. May look flat or artificial unless textured or overlaid with a glaze. Must apply a wood-graining tool or glaze manually to mimic real grain.
Color might chip on high-contact areas (vs. stained/finished wood).
Buy/Info: Valspar Brown Paint Colors – Valspar via Lowe’s.
3. Wood-Graining Kits & DIY Faux-Wood Techniques
Faux Wood-Graining Painting Technique
Description
A classic DIY method for faux wood finishes uses a base coat of flat/satin paint and a tinted glaze. First paint the surface with a wood-tone base color. Then mix a clear acrylic glaze with a bit of paint or stain and apply it in sections.
Before it dries, drag wood-graining tools (rocker, comb) through the glaze to form grain patterns.
The This Old House guide emphasizes this two-step approach: satin paint base + glaze + wood grain kit. This technique can produce convincing wood panel or furniture finishes on walls, cabinets, doors, etc.
Surfaces
Best on smooth, primed surfaces like drywall, paneling, or primed wood. Commonly used for accent walls, doors, hutches or any painted piece that “could be made of wood.”
Application
After prepping and base-coating, mix equal parts clear glaze and a similar-brown paint to create a translucent glaze. Brush or roll this glaze mix onto a small area, then immediately use a wood-graining rocker or comb. (
Tools are often included in “wood-grain kits.”) Rock the graining tool through the wet glaze to “create veins that run the panel’s width.” Additional knot tools or sponges can add wood knots and texture. Wipe off mistakes and reapply glaze if needed. Once satisfied, let dry and optionally seal with a clear coat.
Pros
Fully customizable look and pattern – you control color depth and grain style. Inexpensive (just latex paint and glaze medium). Can mimic virtually any wood species by adjusting base/glaze tones. DIY-friendly (with practice) and requires no specialty paints. Glaze is water-cleanup and low-odor.
Cons
Time-consuming and requires practice: each section must be done before the glaze sets (typically a few minutes of work). Results can look “washed out” unless using high-contrast glaze. Visible imperfections if glaze dries unevenly. Relies on user skill more than a product formula.
Buy/Info: The key ingredients (tintable glaze, paint, wood-graining tools) are sold by brands like Modern Masters (glaze) and Heirloom Traditions (tools).
Heirloom Traditions Wood Grain Rocker Tool (Heirloom)
Description
This is a 2-piece rubber wood-graining rocker tool (a curved comb on a handle) used to manually pull wood grain patterns through wet paint or glaze.
Heirloom Traditions’ Wood Grain Rocker lets DIYers “create believable faux wood grain in two sizes” by rocking and dragging the tool through the coating.
It produces a natural-looking grain wave and even interlocking cathedrals found in oak or walnut. It’s a simple tool, not a paint, but is essential for faux-wood painting.
Surfaces
Used on any surface with wet paint or glaze – furniture, doors, cabinets, or walls. Works on top of any primer or base coat. (Heirloom notes it can be used with either paint or stain.)
Application
After applying a tinted glaze or paint coat, position the rocker at one edge and pull smoothly to the opposite side to create one grain band. Slightly overlap and “reglaze” if pattern isn’t deep enough.
For long surfaces, multiple passes are needed. Two sizes (narrow/wide teeth) allow finer or coarser grain. Clean the rubber comb periodically.
Pros
Inexpensive (~$13) and reusable. Simple manual control produces realistic wood vein patterns. Faster than freehand with a brush, and more natural than ragging. Handles allow steady pressure; you can vary grain direction by flipping tool.
Cons
Requires a steady hand and practice to avoid mistakes. Only works on relatively flat panels (not on intricate moldings).
Can be tiring for large projects. Patterns are repetitive – may look too uniform if overused.
Buy/Info: Heirloom Traditions Wood Grain Rocker Tool (available from faux-paint suppliers or Amazon; $12.99).
Retique It Multi-Purpose Wood’n Kit (Retique)
Description
This kit combines Retique It’s Wood’n Stain (“Liquid Wood”) with faux-wood tools (rake and rocker).
The Weathered Wood kit includes one color of Wood’n Stain plus a rubber graining rake and rocker. It’s a complete all-in-one package for DIYers to apply a layered wood finish on any surface. After base-coating with Wood’n Stain, use the included tools to score grain and knots.
Surfaces
Covers the same range as Wood’n Stain: cabinets, woodwork, tile, drywall, etc.
The kit is designed for indoor use on furniture and trim, but treated surfaces can often handle mild outdoor exposure. It can be used on floors or countertops (with proper topcoat).
Application
First, brush or roller on the Wood’n Stain base coat; let it dry.
Next, apply a second coat and immediately drag the graining rake or rocker through it to carve grain lines. The kit’s instructions show how to alternate tools for realism.
Because the stain is water-based, cleanup is soap-and-water. No separate glaze is needed as the product itself serves as both color and glaze.
Pros
Turnkey solution – all materials included in one box. Uses real wood fiber like the standalone stain. Great for small projects (furniture, signs, accent walls). Low odor, eco-friendly formula. Achieves an authentic, layered wood look with fewer supplies.
Cons
Only two tools limits variety (no knot tool). Requires precise timing between stain application and tooling. Kit coverage is limited (approx. 80–100 sq.ft depending on application).
Once used, you still need to add a protective clearcoat for durability.
Buy/Info: Retique It Multi-Purpose Wood’n Kit (Weathered Wood).
Modern Masters Tintable Glaze (Modern Masters)
Description
Modern Masters Tintable Glaze is a clear acrylic glazing medium that can be mixed with latex paint to create faux finishes. It is ideal for wood graining, among other effects.
One can tint this glaze with any water-based colorant to achieve the desired wood-grain color. Because it’s 100% acrylic, it dries clear and doesn’t yellow over time.
Surfaces
Intended for interior use on primed walls, wood trim, cabinets or furniture.
It’s a general decorative glaze – apply over any base paint or basecoat. Not typically used outdoors.
Application
Mix the glaze (transparent base) with a small amount of latex paint in the chosen wood color.
The glaze slows drying, allowing time to work. Brush or roll the glaze mix onto the surface in sections.
Immediately use wood-graining tools (rocker, combs) or sponges to pull through the glaze, forming grain lines. Wipe with a rag to soften or remove streaks as desired.
Pros
Versatile and easy to use – one product (glaze) for many faux techniques.
Excellent leveling properties help avoid brush marks. Because the glaze is clear, you control color saturation. Water cleanup and very low odor. Compatible with any latex paint colorant.
Cons
Does not itself contain color – requires you to add paint or pigment to tint.
Can be messy; process must be done section-by-section before drying. Professional-grade glaze is relatively expensive per gallon. Results depend heavily on skill with tools.
Buy/Info: Modern Masters Tintable Glaze.
Each of these products or methods has been widely used for creating wood-like finishes.
Choose based on your surface and project: for non-wood substrates, consider specialized stains like ZAR or Retique; for quick color matching, wood-tone paints or stains; for DIY artistry, wood-graining glazes and tools.
