An old Victorian engraving of various tools used by painters and decorators for wood graining during that era. It is from a book of 1890. Included are steel and leather combs, mottlers, brushes with multiple heads, shaders, overgrainers and softeners. Graining is the practice of imitating wood grain using paints and glazes on a non-wood surface, or on a cheap wood surface, to give it the appearance of high quality, expensive timber. Graining was very common in the 19th century. Graining can be accomplished using simple rags and feathers or specialist brushes and combs (as shown here). Stock Photo