Every time I see a specific question somewhere online, I try and give you the answer here on my forum. Today, I saw someone asking how the paint on her dollhouse chair can look like realistic wood.
I found out that there are many ways to give your dollhouse furniture a wood-like finish, even if the piece isn’t made of real wood. Whether you want a subtle grain, a rustic farmhouse effect, or aged wear, it’s all in the paint, brush, and finishing touches.
I’ve gathered the best techniques from miniature makers and model painters—here’s what works and how to go about it.
1. The Dry Brushing Method (Great for grain texture)
If your piece already has some texture (like from real wood or carved lines), dry brushing is a simple way to bring that out.
Materials:
-
Dark brown acrylic paint (base)
-
Lighter brown or tan acrylic paint
-
Dry brush (an old stiff-bristle brush works well)
-
Paper towel
Steps:
-
Start with a solid coat of dark brown paint.
-
Mix a medium brown by adding a little white or beige into your base color.
-
Lightly dip your dry brush into the paint, then wipe off most of it on a paper towel.
-
Gently brush back and forth across the surface. The idea is to catch only the raised areas.
-
Repeat with a lighter brown or tan, each time using less paint and applying more gently.
-
Optional: Mix black or sepia paint with water and a drop of dish soap, then wash it over the piece. Quickly blot with paper towel to deepen shadows and grain.
This method is explained in detail in this helpful video by RP Miniatures:
It works especially well on real wood (like popsicle sticks, dowels, or coffee stirrers), but also on foam with texture.
2. Rustic and Aged Finish (For a farmhouse or vintage look)
This technique gives wood a worn, lived-in look, as if it’s been used over time.
Materials:
-
Wood dye (like dark oak)
-
Emulsion or matte paint (a soft cream or light grey works well)
-
Sandpaper (180 grit)
-
Clear wax or furniture polish
-
Kitchen towel or soft cloth
Steps:
-
First, apply a coat of wood dye and let it dry overnight. This brings out the grain and adds depth.
-
Then, paint over the piece with your chosen paint color. Let it sit for 30 seconds or so.
-
Before it dries completely, wipe the paint away with a piece of kitchen towel. The paint will stick in the grain and recesses, giving a weathered effect.
-
Once dry, use sandpaper to gently rub corners and edges where wear would naturally happen.
-
Brush off the dust and apply clear wax in circular motions. This enhances the finish and protects the surface. Wax can also deepen the grain, even on soft craft wood.
This process is demonstrated in this detailed tutorial by Julie Warren:
Tip: Wrap a piece of kitchen towel around a paintbrush to reach small corners and shelf backs.
3. Extra Finishing Touches
-
If your furniture has carvings or raised detail, you can highlight those with a touch of Rub ’n Buff or a bit of metallic dry brushing.
-
For a cracked, antique surface, try using a crackle medium between paint layers.
-
Want to avoid visible bare wood? Always paint or dye just under the edges or inside overhangs.
What Other Miniaturists Recommend
-
Use satin or gloss latex paint for a more durable finish.
-
Water-based polyurethane varnish can protect the piece without changing the look.
-
Spray paint works well for smooth finishes but requires care with small pieces.
-
Spackle or wood filler is helpful to repair dents before painting.
-
Emery boards and fine sandpaper help reach narrow corners and shelf backs.
What’s your go-to method for painting wood on miniatures?
Do you aim for clean lines or do you like a more distressed look? Let us know below, and feel free to share photos of your results!
Happy crafting!
Lizzy
