Graining

Today that is usually done with latex paint in a gold or orange or tan tone, depending on the type of wood the artist is aiming to imitat.

A book entitled The Museum of Antiquity, in which a description is given of the Egyptian trades three thousand years ago, the following: Boxes, chairs, tables, etc., were often made of ebony inlaid with ivory, sycamore, and acacia veneering with thin layers and carved devices of rare woods added as ornament on inferior surfaces; and a fondness for display induced the Egyptians to paint common boards to imitate foreign varieties so generally practiced at the present day.

The panelling of the great chamber of Theobalds House in England, used by James VI and I, was decorated in "walnut tree colour" in 1618 with highlighted mouldings in black and gold.

Vandyke crystals are very dark, almost a match for burnt umber but by varying the amount of water a color range from pale brown to nearly black can be obtained.

A softening brush may lightly passed over the wet paint to create the jagged edges typical of natural wood grain.

While the experienced craftsman can often obtain just the effects required by the deft manipulation of an old rag or a wornout brush, it is an advantage for the beginner to have the proper implements.