HOW TO FAUX FINISH--HOW TO DRAG PAINT

FAUX FINISHING: DRAGGING

What Roller You'll Need

• Dragging Tool
• Paint for Base Color
• Roller
• Glaze for Top Coat
• Paint to Mix with Glaze

Step 1:
In this two-coat technique, first cover the wall in a base color (either satin or semi-gloss) and let dry. Prepare the glaze coat by mixing one part paint (in any color) with four parts glaze.

Step 2:
Working quickly, paint the prepared glaze on the wall in two foot wide strips from top to bottom, being sure to spread it evenly.
Step 3:
Take the dragging tool (a whisk broom, stiff bristled paint brush, or the like) and, with a steady movement, pull it through the glaze from top to bottom, so the bristles leave fine textured lines behind. Keep your hand steady as the look requires consistency down the wall.
Step 4:
Wipe the brush with a clean cloth after every pass to avoid a glaze build up.
Step 5:
Continue around the room, working quickly. (This is a great two-person project!) Before you know it, you'll have a beautiful new room!
*Colors for Dragging:
For a subtle effect, choose colors with similar tonal qualities. For more pronounced stripes, select highly contrasting base and top colors.
This technique and Faux finish will provide what I call a ‘Tuscan’ look.  This is because the dragging will leave behind some texture.  You can drag in patterns and produce a unique and different look.  Don’t expect a sophisticated look, it is more random and appears somewhat ‘Rustic’.  You can imagine that it will be more ‘Rustic’ with Earth tone colors. And a more ‘Futuristic’ look with bright and highly contrasting colors.

You can also use this technique to produce a ‘stripe’.  Just mark off the width of stripe you want and then drag every other width mark.  As you can tell, the possibilities are many.  You will need to decide what you want before you start.  That is sometimes the most difficult decision to make but is the most important.
You can also drag on doors and give them a worn or antique look, once again depending on the colors you choose.
This is a fun Faux technique but I suggest you look at some pictures of it before you attempt it.  It is not for everyone and I am sure you don’t want to spend your time and end up with a look you do not like or want.
This how to project is provided as a guide line. Any do-it-yourself activity involves some risk and the reader remains responsible for the selection and use of tools, materials, and methods.
As Always ‘Happy Painting’
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.       www.kenraderinteriors.com
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