subject: Basic Dragging [print this page] Basic Dragging Basic Dragging
Dragging is a paint technique that involves applying a base coat and a glaze and then dragging over the glaze to subtract some of it and partially reveal the base coat. It can be used to create a number of looks, including stri, grasscloth, denim, and linen.
Ideally, dragging is easiest when you have two painting partners working together: One applies the glaze, and the other does the dragging with a brush or comb. Use a poster board to experiment with the type of bristles and brushes you have on hand to create the desired effect.
As with any of the faux effects, subtle neutrals produce a refined, low-key look whereas bold hues create a casual, high-energy style. For dragging, you can use two related colors, such as pale yellow over gold, or two contrasting colors, such as pale blue over buff. For ideas, check out the many brochures available in home improvement or paint stores. Some paint manufacturers have already worked out fail-safe color combinations that you may want to consider.
1. Prep the room according to the instructions, and apply a base coat of satin finish latex paint. Let it dry at least 4 hours to overnight. Leave on any blue painter's tape, and tape any additional areas such as the ceiling, tops of door casings, or bottoms of window casings as needed.
2. Start in one corner of the room and use the 4- foot level to measure over 3 feet horizontally. Starting at the ceiling and going down toward the baseboard, make a perpendicular reference line from the 3-foot point and mark it approximately every 2 feet with blue painter's tape. Repeat this process all the way around the room, making sure that your lines are level.
3. Put on latex gloves. In a bucket, combine glaze with the other paint color (follow the manufacturer's instructions). Stir well with a stir stick, and pour the glaze mixture into a roller tray.
4. Starting in the most inconspicuous corner and up near the ceiling, cut in using your mini-roller; roll glaze along the ceiling line, down the corner, and across the top of the baseboard (cut in about 11 .4 to 2 feet). Work in a 3- to 5-foot wide section. Note: It may be necessary to use a small chip brush to work glaze into tight corners.
5. Working quickly and with a zigzag motion, roll on the glaze using your mini-roller in the area you cut in. There's no need to be precise with the rolling; the important part is to keep the glaze wet so that you can create the best effect.
6. Starting at the top corner near the ceiling, place the tips of a clean 3-inch dragging brush (or comb) on the wall. Drag the brush down the wall in one continuous stroke, keeping in line with your marked level lines. For stronger lines, use more pressure; and for softer lines, use less pressure.
7. Clean off the brush at the end of the pass by wiping it on a clean rag.
8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7, dragging over the area cut in and rolled in Steps 4 and 5. Switch to a clean rag when the one you're using can no longer remove the excess paint from your dragging brush.
9. When you come to the edge of the rolled section, place your cleaned-off brush at the ceiling line with a 1- to 2-inch overlap onto the wet edge of glaze. Drag the brush down the wall in one motion.
10. Repeat the application of glaze (cutting in and rolling on) and dragging off in 3- to 5-foot wide sections of wall.
