How to use stain to create faux oak

[@yuridias1519]

Awesome video tutorial! This is going to help me build my pirate themed escape room. Keep 'em coming 😄

[@GratuitousSets]

Yes sir, Yuri! Let us know if you have any requests or questions :-)

[@englishrose4388]

Great tutorial. Thank you for the details and mistake and the fix.

[@GratuitousSets]

Glad it was helpful! So many only watch till the mistake is realized!

[@sethudineshan]

Amazing that you showed your mistakes! Best way to teach.

[@GratuitousSets]

That is the kindest of compliments! If I could change one thing, I would add a "failure countdown" clock. Some people don't wait for the end- they click off as soon as it starts looking crappy 🙄

[@independentliberty9628]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@GratuitousSets]

I'm glad you liked it! 😀

[@taffythegreat1986]

Great video, it looks simple enough to do, with max effects. What colours would I need to create a deep red mahogany look on spandrels (metal T&G slats)? 👍👍👍

[@GratuitousSets]

Oooooo spandrels! That sounds beautiful -you might want to call me or WhatsApp voice call me at 214-529-0045 -Mark

[@zoponex3224]

Great tutorial! Thanks much.

[@GratuitousSets]

Fantastic! I'm glad it helped!😃

[@JonesRealEstate19]

You are Awesome!☺️ and I will tell my ("Mom that you said hi. ")Lol 😊

[@GratuitousSets]

Please do! I'm glad you liked it- Our other videos are a bit on the bizarre side of things...🤣

[@tedwright1380]

Shoot it with clear coat? As in paint? Would it be possible to coat with tung oil? As in bringing a plain jane rifle stock to life.

[@GratuitousSets]

It might work if the tung oil were allowed to completely dry

[@Cass_772]

what's the difference between wood stain or paint with glaze to do that effect and which one is better? or is it the same?

[@GratuitousSets]

Glaze is slightly more translucent and can give a tiny bit more working time. Gel stain (also called "wiping stain" is easy to buy off the shelf. Glaze is less common and must be custom mixed. Both can be used with this technique but, glaze is water based so, you'll need to clearcoat in water based polyurethane. With the gel stain, aerosol can clearcoats can be used. BTW, this is the BEST question I've been asked on this video! Thanks! 👍👍

[@skoue4165]

I lived in a house that had a ton of trim done in "gum wood". Turns out that "gum wood" is just a term painted faux wood done in the ? 20's - 30's. It looked fantastic. I was there for more than a year before I realized it was a painted surface. Or maybe I'm just slow?

[@GratuitousSets]

That's really cool- I've seen bits of that in the past but what you're describing sounds much more extensive

[@skoue4165]

@@GratuitousSets Full shoulder high wainscoting on a large dining room and a bunch of doors. I was also in a house that had some that was not to that quality and you wouldn't be fooled but the first place was impressive.

[@GratuitousSets]

Wow!

[@charoooot9644]

Now I can.customize my guitar. Thank You!

[@GratuitousSets]

Rock on! Brilliant! Better start taking that puppy apart!

[@lgmnowkondo938]

is that pine or is it just framing lumber that was planed down?

[@GratuitousSets]

It was 3/4" "clear white" pine. Thanks for the compliment!

[@papajackwkxcartsandmusic7367]

you should wait atleast 3 to 5 minutes before using graining tools

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

What color is the gel stain used?

[@GratuitousSets]

Hickory, but it would vary based on whatever stain I was using on the piece I was matching, or what color you want the final piece to be. Here I was starting with pine, but the same technique works on MDF, etc- just start by painting the piece a brown mustard color.

[@GratuitousSets]

This video shows how I do it over painted MDF kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIbalKSmmqmFoMk

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

Thank you. @@GratuitousSets

[@GratuitousSets]

absolutely ;-D

[@scottnorton9512]

Tell your mom I said hi?? Ok Biff Tannen 👍awesome.. or am I wrong ?

[@GratuitousSets]

If it HAD been a Biff Tannen reference, that would have been AWESOME! I sometimes say random stuff to camera, like, "Please remind Phillip he still owes me money." or "Tell your brother we miss seeing him around" every once in a while it makes it through the edit, lol

[@timzhaw]

Hi guys! I can't really tell via photos on the internet, but can someone please tell me how realistic does this look like in person? I plan on using this method as a backup, in case the Baltic birch plywood I intend to use for my project, ends up with a blotchy finish once stained. I really would appreciate any help, as this will be my first ever project (knock on wood tehehe). Thanks :) .

[@GratuitousSets]

if you send me an email address, I can send you a really short video with better detail- It looks GREAT in person.

[@timzhaw]

@@GratuitousSets Thank you my friend, I was really hoping that you would reply. I very much appreciate your help :) that is great indeed! I was also wishing that they would, because this technique looks like a lot of fun to do. I will put it in a message below this one, so that I can delete it later ( the internet can be like the wild west some times lol, so you can never be to careful).

[@GratuitousSets]

Sending momentarily- my email is Mar*@gratsets.com (replace the * with a k) You may need to check your spam folder

[@timzhaw]

@@GratuitousSets Thank you buddy, you are the best! I really appreciate you going above and beyond for your audience :) Thanks again and I hope you are yours are saying well in these crazy crazy days. :)

[@GratuitousSets]

I read your email- If you have WhatsApp (I assume you do, GB correct?) Call me at 2145290045. I have some good process information to share, and would be happy to hold your hand as you move forward. I'm in Dallas in the US, so if you call me at 7-9 pm your time, we can spend as much time as you like. I might have some viable ideas, but I'd like to get a better idea about how you'd like the end product to look. Sorry about the delayed response -Mark

[@Hahahha55]

Tell your wife I said hi

[@GratuitousSets]

Lol- i will!

[@jasonmasters9653]

I don't see oak, looks like the typical fake wood furniture.

[@GratuitousSets]

lol- i see you didn't watch to the end of the video

[@joemedley195]

Thanks for covering the mistakes. Mistakes often tell you why you need to do something.

[@GratuitousSets]

Thank you SO much for saying so! Showing our mistakes, and how we think THROUGH these problems is one of the big promises we made when we started the channel. We have had a few complaints from people who didn't watch the entire video. Maybe we should add some text earlier in the video that says "MISTAKE WARNING" with a countdown for less patient people 🤣. I couldn't agree more😊

[@SilentMelody86]

Could you do the gel wood grain with a lighter color and then go over it with a regular stain (not gel)? The color I like doesn’t come in a gel...

[@GratuitousSets]

Sorry for the delayed response- I'm not sure it would work, but it's worth testing on a piece of scrap. DEFINITELY clear coat between colors. The benefit of gel stain here is that it's slightly dimensional (kinda stands up) when applied, so there's heavy color left behind after graining. I wonder if there's a way to thicken regular stain... If you test it, PLEASE let me know what your results are- it could be handy. 😊 -Mark

[@SnarkySolarGuy]

Why not use a screwdriver to open a paint can? Been doing that for decades and I don't have to buy (or keep track) of another tool.

[@GratuitousSets]

Using a paint can key helps keep the pry edge from getting dented so it can seal better (especially true if we are going to open and close a can several times)

[@_1ben]

We followed your video, we watched numerous videos on a faux garage door, with you sharing and meticulous preparing a completed job we are proud of, thank you for sharing

[@GratuitousSets]

Wow, thank you!

[@juancar700]

I was expecting an oak finish. Instead, it looked like pine again.....🤔 I guess if the board would have been stain it would have been less work and looked the same🤪. Nice try! Keep it up man.

[@GratuitousSets]

Lol- try this one-->. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIbalKSmmqmFoMk

[@edcrego396]

boy that was a wast of my time thanks and how do you get mini wax to dry in an hour or two or four or days

[@GratuitousSets]

Well, you didn't "wast" your time learning to spell, that's for sure. Then...you asked a question?

[@PeterboroughescaperoomsUk]

That was an awesome tutorial! Thank you for showing your mistakes.

[@GratuitousSets]

Thanks! I can't believe I thought that might work! Lol

[@10MinutestoRouletteFortune]

Mineral spirits to keep it from drying to fast. Now why the heck didn't I think of that.

[@GratuitousSets]

Lol- It was a SECRET I've kept from the world!! Hehehehe

[@johnrhoads923]

That is not a graining comb. It's a rocker grainer. I remove the grainer from the handle before using. You can squeeze it together before dragging it across the surface.

[@MrGraverobber77]

Love the video. Great tips. I'm wanting to paint a steel pergola to look like wood. My question is, do you have techniques to paint end grain? I need the end of the beams to look like the end of a beam. When I search, I find videos on sealing end grain, but not how to simulate it.

[@GratuitousSets]

Great question -I’m probably better at talking than typing, so Call me at 214-529-0045 I’ll do my best to “sprain”

[@davidjayson4975]

Thank you, great video 1- In the beginning you have mentioned the natural stain however later on you said clear coat twice, is there a difference in materials or they both the same? 2- For the wiping stain, can I use a lighter colour or it has to be the one you have used (dark brown) knowing that the timber I'm using has lighter grain colours? 3- After painting and creating the good looking of the natural grain, can I apply weather proof varnish? it says on the product that it must be applied on bare timber but I'm thinking to sand the timber after the pain but just worried that the created pattern will be removed. Can you please advice? Many thanks

[@GratuitousSets]

I would start with natural stain, then clearcoat twice. Your choice of stain color for the grain. Clear coat once more to seal in the faux grain, then weather proof varnish. 😜

[@magcolor]

An interesting method and result, thanks for the movie!

[@GratuitousSets]

Glad you liked it!

[@BS-dq1kz]

Fantastic! Thank you! You have no idea how much help you’ve been! I’m redoing a piece that was my granny’s so I want to get it right! Not sure yet what I am going to do for sure but I still needed to know this!

[@GratuitousSets]

That is very kind of you to say and FANTASTIC to hear. My phone number is on our Facebook page if I can help at all 😃

[@GratuitousSets]

send pics when you're done!

[@BS-dq1kz]

Gratuitous Sets Just saw you responded months back. I finished my granny’s old Bombay dresser and have done a couple other projects since then. I’ll check out your fb and I’ll share pics as soon as I get settled back home. I’ll traveling right now.

[@Welcome2us]

Hi, I have painted my door white but new I change my mind. I want it to oak. Is it possible? Please guide me

[@GratuitousSets]

I show how to do that in this video---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZrJqaiGi52SadU

[@dman34]

Thank you for your video. Quick question: I'm going to make raised panel cope and stick cabinet doors with pine, but need the oak look. Can this process be used and, if so, should it be done BEFORE the door pieces are glued together. Additionally, what might I do to avoid the stains getting into the glue areas? Thank you very much.

[@GratuitousSets]

Hi, dman!! Yes, it would be best to dress each panel before assembly, although it can be done afterwards. I would, then, apply toner after assembly. Each stile and rail will look more "real" that way. Getting a little stain in the glue areas shouldn't be much of a problem but, you could mask the male sides of the joints if you get squeamish. Here is a video showing stile and rail graining of a piece that is already assembled, but the pieces are square (lacking any profile) so, while not ideal, it works okay here. PS- Tony had never done any graining before. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZrJqaiGi52SadU Call me if you have questions (my number is on our facebook page) -Mark

[@scottbutterworth2887]

Can the finished product then be stained again using a standard oil based stain in order to darken the entire piece? I’m trying to stain my staircase of junk pine and it just isn’t working very well.

[@GratuitousSets]

I would start with this faux oak technique seen here, then I would use TONER, not stain to darken the stairs. I have a section of a video here about how I make toner (cheap and simple) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJDNg3SHp7J9d80 . You can call or WhatsApp me and I'll talk you through it. My number is on our Facebook page! 🤪

[@jbwentworthe6082]

"Whisk Brush " is the secret ingredient ! Thank you. 4/02/23 TN

[@GratuitousSets]

You got it!

[@Cartier_specialist]

Honestly that looks like pine that has been stained to look like oak.

[@GratuitousSets]

This is a bit clearer- hope this helps! --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIbalKSmmqmFoMk

[@christophersleight19]

Hi, I'm Christopher. I'm currently Refinishing Red Oak in a Church. Full mechanical strip and Clear Water Bourne Urethane. There are doors involved in this process. New wood (red Oak Doors and casing material is involved as well). When the New doors arrived on site it was obvious immediately the doors were White Oak, not Red. I have been told by the Construction company "you need to do something." If it were Red Oak needing to become White, it would be more realistic. Have you ever made White Oak lighter to match Red oak? Thanks, I hope you get this. Christopher

[@GratuitousSets]

I have a few ideas- call me at 214-529-0045 -Mark

[@GratuitousSets]

Christopher! Call me or let me know that you copied my number so I can delete it from the comments🤣 I can probably give you some red/white oak advice ---> call me at 214-529-0045 -Mark

[@Raihana_Ch]

Eta kelek soek sateh.. ganti heula baju kaituh.. ! :)

[@GratuitousSets]

LOL or just take them off!😁

[@marcobala9284]

Hidden gem of a video thanks!!

[@GratuitousSets]

Glad it helped! We have another one that goes into more detail about the graining techniques😁

[@GrowLLLTigeRRR]

Thanks for the video. I'm a bit surprised that you didn't use conditioner before the stain to prevent blotchiness. Is that the function of the natural stain?

[@GratuitousSets]

It would have helped, maybe? In the end, I ended up clear coating the piece so the pine acted as just a base color. I don't know if conditioner would have done that well enough. Great observation, though! Thanks!😊

[@joshuamills2868]

Watching this in 2022. That brush would be twenty bucks

[@GratuitousSets]

LOL - that's about right!

[@paulthecomputerdoctor]

From 7:55 mineral spirits, gel stain to Faux. That's what I needed to know and the finishing touches.

[@GratuitousSets]

Fantastic! Glad it helped😁

[@dannymartinez8314]

"Tell your Mom I said hi" I told her, and you don't want to know what she told me to tell you. 😬🤐

[@GratuitousSets]

Lol... but, she owes me money!!! Oh, wait... that was your mom’s friend, “Dawn” ... sorry. Tell your mom I didn’t mean to disturb her, but, her friend “Dawn” had better watch out.

[@manpreetbrar4327]

Love from india from a 30yo lady

[@sasha1641]

Can I use and oil-based white primer instead? I would like to do this to my indoor hollow doors.

[@GratuitousSets]

I think the best base color is a pale version of brown mustard- like Grey Poupon color. I have a really short video that shows the base color and the technique. Let me know if you want it and I can shoot you an email -Mark

[@williammacdiarmid6395]

Aye...😊

[@GratuitousSets]

Oi... 😁

[@steverundle8635]

So coooool. Ex scenic here, learned the broom trick from an old scenic artist in Brooklyn years ago. Lots of distance on my old broom ( worked on floor)

[@GratuitousSets]

I don't tend to clean my brooms well enough, so i never get to that high mileage point!😢

[@ruthroberts5931]

Thanks for the video. I'm trying to match my builder pine stairs to my hardwood. The hardwood is a medium/dark gray distressed oak. At what point during this process would you stain gray? Should you start with a gray base, use gray gel stain for graining or follow what you did and stain gray after the graining process? Would the pine still absorb enough stain to get dark enough after all the sealing to make the grain? Also, any tricks to get the edges where the stairs recess into the stringers?

[@GratuitousSets]

Stain to the lighter shade first, then seal. The Graining shade shouldn't really absorb, just sit on the surface to be manipulated with the graining tool. Amazon sells smaller graining tools for those hard-to-reach areas. You can see them in this video---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZrJqaiGi52SadU Let me know if this helps and you can call me for a chat if it might help. -Mark

[@travisolson9413]

My mom says she has no idea who you are, but she likes your videos anyway.

[@GratuitousSets]

That’s very kind of you! I have an idea... what’s your mom’s name? We can randomly mention her in our next video and freak her out!

[@arnelarttutorial5655]

Very nice sir...i 've learned a lot from ur video..thanks for sharing tge ideas u have

[@GratuitousSets]

Absolutely! I’m glad it helped. I have a follow up video (very short) that is a bit.more focused. Gimme an email if you’d like it.

[@charlietighe]

What clear coat did you end up using?

[@GratuitousSets]

Charlie!! We used a pre catalyzed satin nitrocellulose lacquer, but rattle-can clear would have been fine. I shoulda mentioned it

[@equilibrium_energies]

Hello, can you apply the same techniques and materials to MDF? Thank you.

[@GratuitousSets]

Yes- I actually have a short video I can send you a link to. The MDF needs to be painted first. You can message me on Facebook at Gratuitous Sets Laboratories or email me at [e-mail]

[@lgmnowkondo938]

you definitely took that wood to another place, bro!

[@GratuitousSets]

Yeah I did😁

[@antonios4926]

Thanks for the video. How long between clear coatings and how long do you wait to add the stain?

[@GratuitousSets]

I use a lacquer clear coat so it dries almost instantly. I guess about 10 minutes just to be sure. If you give me an email address on our Facebook page I can send you a simpler, better video 😁

[@GratuitousSets]

lol- sent. Let me know that you got it. sent from Mark at gratsets dot com

[@antonios4926]

@@GratuitousSets Sorry nothing came through

[@GratuitousSets]

check your spam folder- i'll re-send

[@GratuitousSets]

I found it stuck in my out box. should be good now

[@meltonkentjr9938]

How do you make or buy a beading comb to make the pattern on materials?

[@GratuitousSets]

OOO- Sorry I JUST saw your question. The graining comb is sold at Lowes and Home Depot if you're in the states. Most "big box" home improvement stores sell them if you're in Europe or Australia

[@GratuitousSets]

Here's one on Amazon www.amazon.com/Allway-GT3-Graining-Tool-Set/dp/B003BKPRNQ

[@timpickinpaugh3720]

Great video thank you!

[@GratuitousSets]

Glad it helped! Fantastic!!

[@cle052467]

Can you do the other side at the same time or should you wait for one side to dry before you turn it over to do the other side?

[@GratuitousSets]

You do want to wait until it's dry before you do the second side. Good question!

[@cle052467]

Gratuitous Sets Thank you very much

[@cle052467]

Gratuitous Sets And thank you very much for the video. I am attempting to stain and finish an unfinished bathroom freestanding cabinet. Lol Wish me Luck LoL

[@GratuitousSets]

Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions as you move forward 😁

[@starfishw7138]

Cute doggo

[@GratuitousSets]

That was Harold! Best dog EVER. 😢

[@marylou7230]

That's rad!

[@GratuitousSets]

It's SOOOO easy. You just need to be a bit quick with it.

[@divinelight8573]

Thanks

[@GratuitousSets]

Absolutely! I'm glad it helped! 😉

[@humbertohernandez6536]

Could this be done on a garage door, to make it look like wood door?

[@GratuitousSets]

Absolutely! There is a demo of someone doing a raised panel style steel door on KZbin. I'll try to find it for you!

[@GratuitousSets]

hope this helps--- kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3-UeHVrjKlrqqc

[@humbertohernandez6536]

@@GratuitousSets thank you very much for your information.

[@GratuitousSets]

Anytime! I have a great time talking to our subscribers- you guys are fantastic- please feel free to ask ANY questions- I look forward to helping each other- I’m sure you have the answer to a question I have not formed... yet!

[@kevinboylan647]

Awesome video. Appreciate the shout out to mom.

[@GratuitousSets]

I HAD to do it. She says I never call :-)

[@gengpan]

interesting tech

[@GratuitousSets]

So you watched till the end! Perfect😁

[@129tiny]

Thanks for this. Mom says hi.

[@GratuitousSets]

LOL Thank you too, but remember...she still owes me money.

[@GratuitousSets]

She can repay me with a Pink Floyd song

[@129tiny]

@@GratuitousSets You saw that? Haha! First coat of natural drying now.

[@GratuitousSets]

Nice!! Let me know how it goes! If you have questions, you can call me at 214-529-0045 -Mark

[@GratuitousSets]

(Use WhatsApp)

[@paulinehendy5828]

Thank you sooo much, you are an absolute diamond! Thank you for taking the trouble to post your brilliant video.

[@GratuitousSets]

Glad it helped! if you have any questions, my phone # is on our facebook page ;-D

[@e2sguy]

What was the stain I don’t want to watch for ten minutes to learn

[@GratuitousSets]

Lol- watch the video -It's not just the stain, it is the technique and tools. it is worth a 10 minute investment in time!

[@dangermouse2977]

very clear and helpful! straight to it too! did you overlap strokes a bit? slightly distracting but on a humorous note; the two dark items in the background kept lining up with your ears and gave you a bit of a Mickey look on several occaisons. Gonna check out your other posts and look forward to new ones

[@GratuitousSets]

Thanks! I try not to overlap since each successive stroke uses the previous one as a reference for keeping parallel. Now I gotta see this Mickey Mouse thing!! This other video we did goes a bit deeper...--> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZrJqaiGi52SadU