I've done some touch up work on older cabinets for radios(1930's) where I was able to copy the chipped laminate grain with a black felt pen. It came out well enough that nobody notices the chiped out areas unless I point them out. As to doing a whole piece, there is definately an art to it. I've been in old Victorian houses where faux graining was everywhere, and beautiful. Might try some antique sites? Everything I've ever seen is laquered over with a gloss or semi gloss finish.