Practical Graining, with Description of Colors Employed and Tools Used

CHAPTER XVIII.
IMITATIONS OF CARVED WORK, MOULDINGS, ETC., BY GRAINING

In imitating carved work, mouldings, etc. in graining color, more than ordinary ability is required in order to succeed in deceiving people; and this kind of work should not be attempted unless there is ample time for its proper execution, nor should its use be contemplated for too exposed positions, as if not thoroughly done it is an eyesore to the intelligent beholder, but if done in a recessed doorway or other suitable place, inside or outside, it enhances the value of the work if it agrees with the general style of the architecture or of the surroundings. Mouldings or raised panels are often imitated on front doors where the real article would never be placed by an intelligent carpenter, owing to the shape of the door; hence it would be displaying poor judgment to place the imitation where the real article ought to find no place. It is wonderful how a thorough grainer can transform a plastered wall into one apparently sheathed or wainscoted, and I have seen doors so perfectly imitated that persons would grasp at the knob in attempting to open a door that was grained on a plastered wall. Imitations of carved figures, scrolls and game-birds are favored by some workmen, and are very effective if well done; as a rule such work should be seen in a subdued light to render the deception more complete.