Grain and color replacement Washington DC

There are several choices for replacing color and grain over a repair area. Depending on the level of repair needed, the choices are markers, graining pens, graining pencils, powders or toners.

When using a marker or a graining pen, it is best to apply the color with just the tip and immediately blend with your finger. These types of repairs should be top coated with a clear aerosol to enhance the durability of the repair.

Repairs that get more scrutiny are a good candidate for the use of touch-up powders. Powders allow more precision with the color matching and application technique. Begin by putting an assortment of dry powders in a dish, and in a second dish add some padding lacquer. Padding lacquer will provide the vehicle for the pigment. Blend a small amount of color as close to the background or lightest color of the surrounding area. Apply fine lines of color with a size "0" round sable brush, spaced slightly apart. Adjust the grain color slightly darker and apply a few more fine grain lines. Mimic the surrounding grain pattern being aware of grain size, color and direction. Remember, less is more; using the fewest number of brush strokes will pull off the desired effect.

Adjusting the color of the powder mix in small steps helps create the illusion of depth. Be careful to use dry brush strokes, rather than heavy wet strokes that cause the repair to appear "muddy." Dry defined lines increase the clarity of the repair. Topcoat the repair with a clear aerosol to protect the color and grain that has been applied.

The color of an entire area can be adjusted with an aerosol toner. For small spot areas use a "shield," such as a piece of sandpaper with a hole torn in the center to pinpoint the toner to a specific area.

The key points to successful color replacement are:

• Grain color
• Grain size
• Grain direction
• Less is more, don't paint the area
• Mimic the surrounding area