Choosing the right finish for your drywall is as essential as the application of drywall itself to a building.
Meanwhile, wood stain is one of the most commonly used finish choices for adding color and character to wooden surfaces.
If you intend to add a touch of color to your drywall, you may wonder whether the wood stain is a good option, though drywall material differs from wood.
Therefore, can you use wood stains in drywall?
No, it’s not advisable to use wood stain in drywall. Wood stains are specifically made for use on wood, not on drywalls. Drywall is not a porous material like wood, so it will not absorb the stain evenly or effectively. The result would likely be uneven, not providing the desired effect of enhancing the natural beauty of the drywall.
In this article, I will walk you through the possibilities and limitations of using wood stains in drywall. I will further explain whether wood stains cover drywall.
In addition, I will help you understand the recommended ways to color your drywall, and by the end, you will discover how to make drywall look like natural wood.
Ready for a Drywall Quiz?
Can Wood Stain Go on Drywall?
No, wood stains can’t go on drywall. Wood stain is not specifically made for use on drywall as drywall is not a porous material like wood.
Drywall is made of gypsum and paper and is typically finished with paint or wallpaper.
Meanwhile, wood stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the wood and create a color that enhances its natural beauty.
Hence, if you intend to use wood stain on your drywall, it’s worth noting that it’s unlikely to produce a desirable result.
Instead, if you want to add color to your drywall, consider using paint or a colored primer specifically designed for drywall use.
These products will adhere to the surface of the drywall and provide a durable, long-lasting finish that will not peel over time.
Meanwhile, it’s essential to prepare the drywall surface properly before painting by sanding and cleaning it thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion of the paint or primer.
Check the table below to learn more about the pros and cons of using wood stains on drywall.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Applying wood stains on drywall can add warmth and texture to a room. | Wood stains aren’t specifically made for use on drywall. |
| It’s a simple task; hence, you can do it yourself without the help of a professional. | The process can be time-consuming and mostly leads to undesirable results. |
| It may be a manageable, money-saving option for accent walls or small areas. | Applying wood stains on drywall isn’t a good option for high-moisture areas. |
| It’s less expensive than installing wood paneling, wood finishes, etc. | Applying wood stains on drywall is less durable and more susceptible to damage. |
| Applying wood stain on drywall can create a slightly natural look. | It adds less value to a home than other finishes. |
Does Wood Stain Cover Drywall?
No, wood stains don’t cover drywall. Wood stain is not designed for use on drywall, as drywall is not a type of wood and does not have a porous surface that can absorb the stain.
Drywall is typically covered with a layer of paper or other material, such as gypsum. And it is designed to be painted or covered with wallpaper and other similar materials rather than stained.
Furthermore, drywall is not designed to absorb stains and will not hold them very well.
And the stain won’t cover the drywall, eventually resulting in the stain peeling or flaking off over time.
Applying wood stain on drywall could result in a messy and unsightly finish that may need to be removed or covered.
Instead, consider using a faux wood painting technique or installing wood paneling to achieve a wood-like appearance on your drywall.
Alternatively, textured paint or wallpaper can add texture to your drywall, giving it a more decorative and desirable look.
How Do You Color Drywall?
Knowing the right way to color your drywall is essential to achieve a good result after finishing.
There are several ways to color drywall; below are some of them:
#1. Paint:
The most common way to color drywall is to paint it. Applying a primer specifically designed for drywall to create a smooth surface is highly recommended.
Then, you should apply one or more coats of paint in the color of your choice.
#2. Wallpaper:
Another way to color your drywall is to apply wallpaper. Many types and wallpaper designs, including self-adhesive and traditional varieties, require wallpaper paste.
#3. Drywall Mud:
Drywall mud is another color option available for drywall. If you want a more natural or artistic look, apply drywall mud in various patterns and textures, then paint over it.
This technique is often used in creating a faux stone or brick look.
#4. Textured Paint:
Textured paint comes in different finishes, such as sand, stone, and metallic. Therefore, any textured paint can add depth and dimension to your drywall.
Meanwhile, regardless of the color you intend to use on your drywall.
It’s essential to ensure that the surface of your drywall is clean, dry, and free of debris before proceeding with the coloring to achieve a beautiful result.
In addition, if you notice any cracks or holes, you should patch them and sand down any rough areas.
Using the right tools and materials, such as high-quality paint brushes, rollers, and drywall mud knives, is also necessary.
How Can I Make Drywall Look Like Natural Wood?
Drywalls aren’t wood; however, you can make them look like natural wood by using any of the methods below:
- Faux wood painting
- Application of wallpaper
- Wood paneling
- Wood veneer
#1. Faux Wood Painting
It is one of the most common ways you can use to make drywall look like wood. It involves using paint and glaze to create a wood-like effect on drywall.
Therefore, follow the instructions below to apply faux wood painting on your drywall.
- First, apply a base coat of paint in a color that resembles the wood you want to imitate.
- Next, use a wood-graining tool or a small brush to create wood grain patterns on the surface.
- Finally, apply a glaze over the top to give the surface a wood-like finish.
#2. Application of Wallpaper
Another common method of making drywall look like wood is installing wallpaper on the drywall.
Many types of wallpaper can give out the look of wood, such as wood grain or wallpaper with a wood texture.
All you need to do is to apply the wallpaper directly to the drywall following the manufacturer’s instructions.
#3. Wood Paneling
Wood paneling installation on your drywall is another recommended method of making drywall look like natural wood.
You can install wood paneling on your drywall by attaching the panels directly to the drywall with adhesive or using furring strips to create a gap between the drywall and the paneling.
#4. Wood Veneer
Another common method to make drywall look like wood is by applying wood veneers to the drywall.
A wood veneer is a thin layer of wood that you can apply directly to drywall to give it a wood-like appearance.
Wood veneer application on drywall simply involves gluing the veneer to the drywall using a proper adhesive.
