Faux Finishing Tools and Techniques
Woodgraining the Model A Ford
Today, we’re going to demonstrate the woodgraining process on a Model A Ford dash rail. The rail has already been primed and painted with our base color, which closely matches the original finish.
Preparation:
First, clean the dash rail thoroughly to remove dirt or debris.
Apply toner lightly on a paper towel and rub gently onto the rail. This initial toner layer helps with blending and covers potential imperfections when wiping off patterns.
Remove excess toner using a clean paper towel, leaving behind a subtle tint.
Woodgraining Setup:
Stir the ink thoroughly and keep some ready on a pad for blending.
Have paper towels, a pencil brush, blending paper or fine sandpaper, a magnet, and a squeegee nearby.
Prepare your plate with a modest amount of ink.
Choose your doctor blade edge (beveled or non-beveled) consistently for even application. Adjust the ink consistency to resemble cold pancake syrup, adding toner if needed to thin.
Application:
Apply ink evenly to your plate.
Roll the print carefully onto the dash rail, pressing firmly and evenly.
Clean the roller between prints by rolling it on clean paper.
Blending Technique:
Place fine sandpaper rough-side-down to mark where your good print ends, securing it with a magnet.
Wipe off excess ink beyond your working area to maintain a clear boundary.
Carefully apply subsequent prints, aligning precisely with the previous pattern.
To wrap around curves, use the “rock and roll” method: roll gently forward and backward without lifting the roller.
Fine-tuning:
Blend seams lightly with a dry brush or pencil eraser, gently moving existing ink to eliminate visible lines. Less handling typically yields better results.
Remove any unwanted ink with a paper towel if blending is unsatisfactory and reapply prints as necessary.
Detail Work:
For sharp corners or square moldings, use a specialized corner stamp tool: press onto the plate, then transfer ink directly to the molding corners for clean edges.
Remove leftover ink on the roller efficiently to avoid excess and maintain consistency across prints.
Finishing:
After completing the prints, apply a final toner layer if desired, pressing firmly into any indentations or intricate areas for enhanced depth.
This careful, methodical approach ensures a realistic, attractive woodgrain finish suitable for classic automobile restoration.