The woodgrain look is part of what makes a 1972 Mercury Colony Park recognizable. Mercury’s 1972 brochure described its exterior paneling as simulated cherrywood. When that appearance becomes worn or uneven, recreating the pattern takes a careful eye for color and texture.
In this episode of “If You’re Gonna Do It Wrong, Do It Right!”, master body man Steve Wepp demonstrates a hand-painted approach to refreshing the Colony Park’s woodgrain effect. His tools are simple: brown and black spray paint, a paintbrush, and clear coat. The timing of each step is what brings the pattern together.
Start with a brown base
Steve begins by choosing a brown spray paint close to the existing woodgrain color. He blends it into the area he is working on rather than treating the new color as a separate patch. Then he lets the brown coat dry completely before adding the grain.
That wait matters. The next step uses a brush to move wet black paint across the brown base, so the base needs to stay in place while Steve works.
Create the grain while the black paint is wet
Once the brown has dried, Steve applies a light coat of black. Before it dries, he works a paintbrush through it to mimic the irregular lines of woodgrain. He adjusts the marks and wipes away paint while it is still workable.
As Steve points out in the demonstration, it can take a couple of passes to find a technique that looks right. The goal is a varied pattern that blends with the surrounding finish.
Finish the effect with clear coat
After the painted grain has dried completely, Steve plans to apply a coat or two of clear coat. The clear finish sits over the brown and black layers, giving the effect more depth and helping the pattern stand out.
This episode offers a close look at a creative woodgrain painting technique on a classic station wagon. It shows how color choice, brushwork, and patience can change the appearance of a worn detail.
Watch Steve Wepp’s demonstration above, and explore Autoseum’s automotive classes for more hands-on lessons in body work and painting.