WOODGRAINING
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To imitate wood a series of coloured glazes are applied over a painted ground colour and manipulated in turn, using a wide range of tools and brushes. The skilled craftsman will recreate the grain and figuring, the mottles and the pores using his skill and knowledge of the real wood. In general more valuable and exotic woods such as Mahogany, Rosewood or Birds-Eye Maple are preferred, however Oak and Pine are also popular. Woodgraining reached it's zenith in the 19th century when it was often indistinguishable from the real thing. A careful study of these early examples and of wood itself, has given our craftsmen the necessary skills to replicate most types of wood to the highest standards. As many hardwood trees take centuries to grow, their exploitation has led to the decimation of much ancient forest. There are sound environmental reasons therefore, for choosing woodgraining over real wood.