How to create realistic Wood
Posted: 18 May 2018, 15:25
I've been asked to do a "how to" on the process I use so I've put this long winded explanation together. Follow along as I explain a simple method you can master to create realistic wood effects.
To get us started, let's look at what tools and materials you'll need.
The basics include a sharp #11 blade, a scriber and a razor saw along with some plastic cut to the size you need. You will also need paint of course. I happen to have one of the Ammo Tool paint sets which includes three colours for wood. However, it's not necessary to race out and buy the same one because Vallejo white and Iraqi Sand can be mixed together to make similar shades. The AK Washes will be used for adding different tones to our plastic "wood". Ok, time to get busy.
Using the razor saw place it at the end of the plastic strip and drag it lightly towards you, scratching the surface. Try to avoid parallel lines as you work along the strip. You will end up with this. Don't worry about the roughness the scratching causes on the plastic, it's all part of the process. Repeat the scratching until you get something that looks like this. The next step involves using the #11 blade and gently scraping the burrs away from the surface. Not all of them because some roughness will help your finished result. Some wood will display small smooth areas within the grain. I simulate this by gently scraping in random areas but keeping in mind that less is more. For variation along the entire piece, you can use the scriber to highlight and deepen random lines. These will be accentuated with the painting process. Now is the time to decide on how distressed your wood will be. Wood is easily damaged and often has cracks, knicks and splits. Use a combination of the sharp #11 blade and the scriber to get the effect you want. Horizontal cuts at the edges will give you a nice effect. Once you are happy with the look of your "wood" it's time to start painting.
To get us started, let's look at what tools and materials you'll need.
The basics include a sharp #11 blade, a scriber and a razor saw along with some plastic cut to the size you need. You will also need paint of course. I happen to have one of the Ammo Tool paint sets which includes three colours for wood. However, it's not necessary to race out and buy the same one because Vallejo white and Iraqi Sand can be mixed together to make similar shades. The AK Washes will be used for adding different tones to our plastic "wood". Ok, time to get busy.
Using the razor saw place it at the end of the plastic strip and drag it lightly towards you, scratching the surface. Try to avoid parallel lines as you work along the strip. You will end up with this. Don't worry about the roughness the scratching causes on the plastic, it's all part of the process. Repeat the scratching until you get something that looks like this. The next step involves using the #11 blade and gently scraping the burrs away from the surface. Not all of them because some roughness will help your finished result. Some wood will display small smooth areas within the grain. I simulate this by gently scraping in random areas but keeping in mind that less is more. For variation along the entire piece, you can use the scriber to highlight and deepen random lines. These will be accentuated with the painting process. Now is the time to decide on how distressed your wood will be. Wood is easily damaged and often has cracks, knicks and splits. Use a combination of the sharp #11 blade and the scriber to get the effect you want. Horizontal cuts at the edges will give you a nice effect. Once you are happy with the look of your "wood" it's time to start painting.