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| Strié is created by dragging
a long-haired brush through wet glaze to create fine,
vertical lines. This verticality creates the illusion
of height in any room. I have used this technique to add
grandeur to the formal dining room of a elegant townhouse,
and to "raise" the ceiling of a country farmhouse
bedroom. You can also use the strié technique to add
subtle interest and aging to furniture and moldings. |
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Base Color
Benjamin Moore Paint #2162-60
Glaze Colors
(A) Benjamin Moore Paint #HC-131
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How-To Instructions
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Prep 1:
Before base coating, make sure your surface is in good
condition. Patch holes and cracks with spackling paste,
and wash any dirt from surface using a mild soap. Mask
all windows, baseboards, and moldings using 2"
painter's tape. Evenly apply paint with roller. Base
coat should always be a satin or semi-gloss latex finish.
Two coats may be necessary depending on coverage. Let
dry 24 hours.
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Prep 2:
Before you faux, prepare
your glaze/paint mixture(s). A 5:1 ratio (5 parts Faux
Like A Pro glaze to 1 part paint) is highly recommended.
This ratio will allow you time to work the finish and
prevent it from drying too fast.
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Step 1:
This finish integrates a strié technique within
a soft striping pattern. First decide the width
of the stripe for your room. Consider the width
of the room's moldings, since the stripe's width
should be in proportion to them. Measure how many
stripes can be centered on each wall, avoiding oddly
cut-off stripes in the corners. Using non-staining
chalk, snap a chalk line where the edge of each
stripe will fall. |
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Step 2:
Evenly apply glaze A with a latex brush in a vertical
fashion between the first two chalk lines. Proceed
to step 3 before painting in the next stripe. |
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Step 3:
Drag vertically through the wet glaze, applying
steady pressure to your bristle block brush. Working
from top to bottom, keep the brush strokes straight
down the entire length of the wall. Wipe off brush
after each pass. If you cannot make one continuous
sweep, start a new stroke at the bottom of the wall
pulling upwards. Stagger the area where the strokes
meet to prevent lap lines. |
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Step 4:
After completing steps 1-3 on every wall, you will
then glaze the untouched stripes. This will balance
out the room and give the wall a uniform finish.
Delicately brush on glaze A with a latex brush in
vertical patches, skipping a space between each
application. Proceed to step 5 before painting in
the next stripe. |
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Step 5:
While the glaze is still wet, drag vertically with
your bristle block brush using powerful sweeping
strokes to soften the stripe. I suggest brushing
through the glaze several times until the stripe
looks blended with soft lines. Work from top to
bottom wiping off the brush after each pass. The
second set of stripes should be lighter than the
first. |
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Step 6:
As a final step, brush
through your stripe vertically from bottom to top.
This will further soften the stripe eliminating
any muddy areas. Your stripes should look very soft
and subtle. |
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Tip 1
For a different look, try creating your stripes
by alternating solid base colors, then strié
a lighter glaze over the entire wall to soften
the look. Or, try the strié without stripes.
Simply choose a contrasting glaze and base color,
then strié the entire wall.
Tip 2
Avoid glaze build-up at
the top and bottom of walls by applying less glaze
and easing pressure at the beginning and end of
each downward stroke. Heavy pressure with the
brush pressed flat against the wall, creates a
coarser strié, while lighter pressure using
the brush tips creates a finer strié.
Tip 3
For best results drag
your brush through the glaze in one pass. Over-working
the glaze destroys the clear, distinct brush marks
and creates muddy patches.
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FINAL FINISH |
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Supplies:
- gallon of glaze
- bristle block brush
You will also need the following
basic supplies from your local hardware store:
- 4" latex all purpose brushes
- paint roller
- medium nap
- roller tray
- 3" latex cutting brush
- large bucket for water
- 2 containers to hold glaze/paint mixture
- painters tapee
- non-staining chalk line
- latex gloves
- rags for clean up
- drop cloths |
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