GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

I decided to use a kit from Grain-It-Technologies to apply woodgrain to the dash and window moldings of the 1930 Town Sedan that I'm restoring.

I think the 'factory-correct' Model A woodgrain pattern looks great. But for this car I decided I wanted something a bit more stylish, so I chose a burl pattern rather than the traditional horizontal pattern used in Model A's.

I had never before tried woodgraining, so I was prepared for 'so-so' results. The pieces turned out better than I had expected...and not too shabby for a first-timer. Attached are photos of the dash piece. It will look better after it's clear-coated, wet-sanded and buffed.

Using the kit is fairly easy and the work goes quickly. But practice using the roller is time well spent!

The only downside of using the Grain-It system is that drying time is extensive. Even with daily high temperatures in my garage of 90+ degrees, it took about a week for the ink (the graining pattern) to fully dry.

I know there are many ways to apply woodgrain. There's even a water-transfer process available today. (It's the same system used for several years to apply camouflage to guns, bows, and other hunting gear.) And there are commercial woodgrainers who I'm sure do an excellent job.

I have absolutely no connection with Grain-It other than being a one-time customer. If you're planning a woodgraining project, you may wish to consider their system. They offer a dozen or so patterns, including the factory-correct Model A pattern.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Wow! That looks great! I've looked at their website and wondered how difficult it would actually be.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Does anyone have pictures of original wood grain for a 31?? At a recent show there were about a dozen A's, se3veral with wood grain. I realize no tow were exactly alike but those that had it no two really came close to each other.
Thanks
Paul in CT

Forgot to mention how "rich" and nice a job you did ! ! !

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

You did a great job. That really looks nice. Looks like did very good prep work.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Tom,
Beautiful job, even without clearcoat! I plan on doing some graining, whatever the "grain" I make, somewhere in the world, their's a "grain" that's the same!
Before selling my all black '30 coupe, I considered a greyish/silver grain on interior trim pieces, and call it "BLACK EBONY!"
On the same car, I once "considered" doing all the reveal mouldings in the factory type mahogony type grain. (Poor man's WOODIE!) Bill W.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

I am pretty sure that the "plate grain / roller transfer" process is the same or nearly the same as the original lithographing process used back in the 1920's-1950's.

Very nice work, Texas Tom !

SC Frank

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Texas Tom ........................
That walnut burl is very close to the 1934 Ford walnut burl finish. I believe that the 1934 Ford used a little more black in their design. It seems to be about 50% covered with the black. Here is a photo of an original 1934 Ford ashtray.
MIKE :)
CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE - Twice

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Suggestion on the clear-coat - might consider a satin-lacquer... the really high gloss looks too much like a "poured-finish" bar table-top for my taste...

( Your results may vary....)

SC Frank

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

The new oil base ink is the only way to go. I have used both and the oil based ink is much easier to work with IMO. What did you use for base color? Camera makes these look different but they are the same.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Good job, I like it. Both of them.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

The photo posted by TIN CUP depicts what I understand to be 'factory-correct' woodgrain for a Model A. I presume his photo on the left looks more blonde in tone due to the close proximity of the camera flash.

GRAIN-IT offers a wide selection of graining plates, each with a different pattern. As I recall, they state that anyone with their entire set of plates can replicate the factory-correct graining of nearly 90% of U.S. autos made in the 1930s - 1950s.

The base coat on my woodgraining is mahogany. As I recall, GRAIN-IT offers two shades of mahogany, and the one I used is labeled MH-1.

The guy who runs (owns?) GRAIN-IT is Evan Westlake. He's a straight shooter, and very willing to assist the customer in selecting the base color and the grain pattern to fit the 'look' that the customer is seeking.

I found the process makes it pretty easy to achieve good results.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

I spoke to Evan several times and he was a big help. Yes the plate I used is his mahoganey plate.

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Both woodgrain jobs are beautiful.:)

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

here

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

i like it

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Thanks to all of you on "THE FORD BARN" for posting the good results you are having with our tools! All your work looks Excellent!
I am very appreciative of this "WORD OF MOUTH" response.

I want to take this opportunity to let you all know that I am always happy to help, in whatever way I can, with any of your Woodgraining projects.

Thanks Again!

Sincerely,
Evan Westlake
Grain-It Technologies

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

:cool: :cool: :cool:

Re: GRAIN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES woodgraining
 

Welcome to the Ford Barn:):):)