Faux wood beams are a great way to get the look of wood beams at a fraction of the price. While there are many other benefits to faux wood beams besides their cost-effectiveness, they are often preferred by homeowners because of their customizability.
At AZ Faux, our faux wood beams are custom-built to your exact specifications and are available in a variety of authentic finishes. Our finished beams include a kit for basic touch-ups that are easily done with a standard paintbrush.
However, many homeowners prefer to receive unfinished faux wood beams and finish them on their own to achieve a more unique color.
Customizing the color of your faux wood beams is a great way to make them more distinctive to your home and style. To finish faux wood beams yourself, all you need is a few basic supplies and our simple step-by-step guide. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to installing them in your space.
Benefits of Unfinished Faux Wood Beams vs. Real Wood Beams
Faux wood beams offer many advantages over real, solid wood beams. In addition to being lightweight, easy to install, and affordable, unfinished faux wood beams are easier to paint.
Below are more reasons why unfinished faux wood beams are easier and more convenient than real wood beams:
- Faux wood beams can be finished (and installed) over the course of one weekend
- There is no sanding required
- Faux wood can allow for more consistent color across the beam
- Faux wood is cheaper to finish compared to real wood
- Faux wood beams arrive already primed
Keep reading for simple, step-by-step instructions for how to finish faux wood beams.
Finishing Faux Wood Beams Step by Step
Changing the color of your faux wood beams lets you achieve the exact look you want for your space. It’s an easy DIY project that takes just a few basic materials.
Below is a summary of the process. When you’re ready to finish your beams, follow our detailed faux wood finishing guide.
1. Gather Materials for Staining Your Faux Wood Beams
Gather the following supplies before painting your faux wood beams:
- Paintbrush
- Water-based paint
- Unfinished faux wood beam
- Unfinished beam sample (optional, but recommended for testing colors)
- Clean cotton cloth or tack cloth
- Drop cloth
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to start painting your beams.
Helpful tips:
- Before you get started, lay your beams on the floor in the installation location for at least 24 hours (but away from excess moisture, heat sources, and/or direct sunlight). This will allow the faux wood to adapt to the environment where it will be installed.
- It's recommended that you finish your beams before installing them. Painting a full beam overhead is much harder than finishing it while it's still on the ground. After installation, you can make minor touch-ups as needed.
2. Clean Your Beams
Before you begin painting, wipe down your faux wood beams with a clean cloth or tack cloth to remove any dust. This ensures a smooth surface and helps the paint adhere evenly.
3. Test Your Paint and Technique on an Unfinished Beam Sample
Hand-painting faux wood beam to create a custom faux wood finish.
Before painting your full faux wood beams, we recommend testing your paint color and dry-brush technique on an unfinished beam sample. This allows you to confirm the shade, practice your application method, and ensure you're happy with the final look before committing to the full beam.
Because faux wood beams should not be sanded, it’s important to get the color and technique right on the sample first—paint cannot be removed once applied.
4. Start Painting the Faux Wood
Thoroughly mix your paint and dip your paintbrush into the mixture. Then, using the clean cotton cloth, wipe the excess paint off onto the cloth. When the paintbrush has minimal paint on it, you can begin to paint directly onto the faux wood beam.
This is known as the dry brush method and is an effective method for finishing faux wood beams. You will also want to be sure to paint with the grain of the faux wood for the best results.
5. Allow the Paint to Fully Dry
Before applying a second or third coat, allow the beams time to fully dry. This lets you see the true color of the paint before deciding if additional coats are needed.
6. Add Additional Coats to Get the Right Color
After the paint has dried, decide if you’d like to add another coat to achieve a deeper, richer color. This step lets you fine-tune the finish to perfectly match your space.
How to Finish Exposed Beam Ceilings: Do’s and Don'ts
Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Espresso Brown and Wind Drift Faux Wood Planks in Cappuccino
Exposed beam ceilings add warmth, character, and architectural charm to any room, but finishing faux wood beams properly is key to achieving a beautiful, cohesive look.
If you’re exploring faux wood finishes or planning to paint existing beams, following a few simple rules will help your ceiling look custom and polished. Before you start painting, review these essential do’s and don’ts to help your beams complement your space perfectly.
Do’s When Painting Faux Wood Beams
- Order an unfinished beam sample to practice before beginning your project.
- Take your unfinished sample to your local paint store for water-based paint recommendations.
- Test your paint sample in the room where it will be installed to see how the color looks in natural light.
- Only use water-based paints. We recommend a quality acrylic water-based paint.
- Choose a paint color that matches your design aesthetic.
- Exterior paint is best for UV protection and durability (even on interior applications).
- Apply paint in thin layers to prevent the color from becoming too dark.
- Allow your beam to completely dry between coats.
- Finish your beams before installing them. This makes the process much easier and cleaner.
- If you have questions, reach out to our Customer Experience & Design Support Team at (888) 314-2326 for assistance.
Don’ts When Painting Faux Wood Beams
- Do not use oil-based paints, solvent-based products, wood stains, or high-gloss paints. Oil and solvent-based products will not dry properly on faux wood beams.
- Do not use a roller or paint sprayer to apply the paint.
- Do not rush the drying process. Allow each coat to dry naturally to avoid smudging or uneven color.
- Do not attempt to sand faux wood beams. Sanding will damage the texture and cannot be repaired.
Customize Faux Wood Beams Your Way
Old Barn Faux Wood Beams, finished by customer
Finishing faux wood beams yourself is a simple and rewarding way to give your home a personalized touch. Whether you’re working on ceiling beams or a faux wood mantel above the fireplace, a custom finish lets you match your style perfectly.
Plus, unfinished beams are a budget-friendly alternative to solid wood, giving you the same warm, natural look for less. With a little DIY effort and the right approach, you can create beams that are unique to your space.
Ready to order your unfinished faux wood beams?