Painting metal to Look Like Wood Is Easier Than You Think (My Foolproof Method!)

Learn the secret to painting metal to look like wood with this step-by-step DIY tutorial. Discover the best technique to achieve a realistic wood grain finish on any metal surface.

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Whether you are painting mirror frames, a metal door or even a light fixture, it’s so nice to paint them to look like wood instead of just a solid paint color.

And while there isn’t a single can of paint that will give you a wood-grain effect, I’ll share my favorite technique for faux wood, which is almost as simple. Before you know you it, you’ll be using this faux easy DIY technique on anything that doesn’t move.

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Can you paint metal to look like wood?

As I mentioned, there is no one wood grain paint that can give you the look of wood grain on metal because a true wood grain look has several shades of brown. But this glaze can give you the same look simply by applying a thing glaze over a base coat.

I’ve used this technique over a dozone times in my home and you can see how those projects turned out here:

Guide to Painting Metal to Look Like Wood on Furniture

Guide to Painting Metal to Look Like Wood on an Exterior Door

How to Paint a Mirror Frame to Look Like Wood

For this post, I’ll be painting metal bathroom mirror frames to look like wood. They have seen much better days as years water stains have made their mark on the bottom of our mirrors.

BEFORE:

Whether these stains are from hard water or a reaction with the paint on the frames, I’m not sure. But one thing I am sure of – it looks pretty gross!

I’m not quite sure how I let them get so bad, but it was such a relief to paint over these stained areas once and for all. (And just FYI, this is my husband’s mirror)

Supplies: Painting Metal to Look Like Wood

Step 1: Clean and Degloss Metal Before Painting

To ensure that our paint and glaze adhere, we want to clean our frames as any dirt or oily residue will keep the new finish from sticking.

For cleaning metal, I like to use Krud Kutter gloss off because not only does it remove dirt but it de-shines it to help the paint stick.

*This product is also my secret weapon for my tutorial on How to Paint Furniture Without Sanding

Pour a little of the deglosser in a container and use a microfiber rag to wipe down the front and edges of your meatl frame.

Step 2: Tape and Prime Metal Before Applying Paint

What type of paint will stick to metal?

It’s always a good idea to use a primer. I like to say that primer sticks to things and paint sticks to primer. It’s your insurance policy that your metal frames don’t start peeling in a few months.

How to Tape off Mirrors & Pictures Frames Before Painting

Before spraying on primer, I recommend taping off your mirrors so paint doesn’t get on the mirror glass.

Use pieces of cardstock to cover the surface of the glass. Make sure to shove the edge of the cardstock under the edge of the frame so paint doesn’t seap underneath.

Use tape to secure the pieces of cardstock to one another. This will ensure they stay in place while you are painting.

Now it’s time to spray on your primer! Take your mirror outside and spray on a very light coat of primer.

Wait 10-15 minutes and spray on another light coat.

Step 3: Spray The Base Coat onto the Frames

For the base coat, I’m using Rustoleum Spray Paint in Almond. Spray it on very similar to the way you sprayed on the primer. Shake the can wall and spray on a very light first coat. You won’t get full coverage and that’s ok! Your priority right now is to spray on light coats which will give you a huge finish.

*Excuse my toes!

Spray two or three light coats with a 15-20 minute dry time in between.

Step 4: Add Glaze to The Mirror Frame to Get A Wood Grain effect

Let your frame dry for at least 24 hours before adding the glaze. Keep the cardstock and tape on the mirror.

Grab your glaze and 2-inch brush. For this step, we are just getting the glaze onto the frame.

Quickly paint on a layer of glaze onto the frame. You want full coverage and it doesn’t have to be pretty!

Just cover the whole frame with glaze in any direction, and don’t forget the sides.

Here’s how it looks completely covered in glaze:

The next step is to use your deck brush to create a wood grain effect with the bristles. The deck brush wipes away some of the glaze and it allows the base coat to show through, creating a faux wood grain.

Very gently wipe the deck brush over each side of the frame in one long stroke. Try not to pick up or put down your brush in between. If you want a lighter look, wipe some of the excess glaze off on a paper towel between brush strokes.

Keep in mind that your glaze will dry a little lighter than it looks when it is wet.

Here is how my frame looks with glaze step finished but still wet:

Step 5: Clear Coat Your Frame

After the glaze has dried 24 hours, spray a few light coats of a matte clear coat. This step is important is your mirror or artwork will possibly get wet, but optional if it won’t. I like to do 3 light coats with about 10-20 minutes between each.

I’m happy to say that the mirrors worked out so well. Not only did the paint cover the stains at the bottom, but they are so much prettier than if I had just painted them with satin nickel spray paint.

The new faux stain gives the room some much-needed contrast and updated the look of the bathroom.

These newly finished mirror have been hanging in our bathroom for six months and they look just as good as the day I hung them. The clear coat spray paint is definitely doing it’s job to protect the finish from our hard water and my husband’s enthusiastic face washing.

RENOVATE YOUR FAITH: How To Avoid The OVERCOMMITMENT Trap

Most of my projects include a corresponding devotional. For more spiritual encouragement, click here for the rest of my project posts that also include Renovate Your Faith devotionals.

More Posts Related TO How to Paint Metal to Look Like Wood

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Easy Home Decor Spray Paint Hacks (Free Spray Painting Checklist!)

Final Thoughts on How to Paint a Wood Grain Effect on Metal

With a few easy steps, you can take something from drab to fab in no time. The best part? This technique works on virtually any metal surface. Once you try it, I promise you’ll start eyeing every piece of metal hardware or decor in your home as your next project. If you give it a try, I’d love to see how your project turns out! And remember, a beautiful home doesn’t have to come with a big price tag — sometimes it just takes a little paint, a little patience, and a whole lot of faith that the process is worth it.

I love to hear your thoughts and questions!  Scroll down to leave a comment and I WILL reply! ❤️

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

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