Striae Technique

Supplies:

  • One roll of 2" painters tape preferably with paint blocking technology for cleaner lines
  • Drop cloths
  • Rags
  • 9" roller frame
  • One 9" roller covers
  • Paint tray
  • One wallpaper brush with long bristles
  • Nylon/polyester brush (Sherwin-Williams® Contractor Series® Extra Firm Angle Sash Brush)
  • Gloves
  • One gallon Alabaster SW 7008 in semi- gloss
  • One quart Naval SW 6244 in semi-gloss
  • One quart Serious Gray SW 6256 in semi-gloss
  • One gallon Faux Impressions latex glaze
  • 5-quart mixing container

Tips:

  • We used this faux painting method to add interest to an existing plank wall. You can achieve a similar look by sectioning off 10-12" horizontal stripes on a flat wall, essentially creating your own planked wall look.
  • Smooth walls are best for this method so be sure to do any prep work thats needed.
  • Faux painting results can vary greatly. We recommend creating a sample by using a small board to practice your technique and to make sure you're happy with the color.
  • After the glaze is rolled on, it needs to be worked pretty quickly. Dividing the wall into workable sections will make this easier.
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wear gloves, as dried latex glaze can be difficult to remove from fingernails.
  • The glaze can splatter, so be sure to cover floors and furniture.

How-To:

  1. Paint the base coat using Sherwin-Williams® Alabaster SW 7008 in semi-gloss. Depending on the color and current condition of your walls, two coats might be necessary. Allow to dry completely (at least four hours).
  2. Tape off every other row of planks.
  3. Tint the glaze with Naval SW 6244 paint using a ratio of one part paint to four parts glaze. This glaze should be quite light and transparent.
  4. Tape off alternating segments of the wall.
  5. Tint the glaze with the Serious Gray SW 6256 paint using a ratio of one part paint to three or four parts glaze.
  6. Before applying the glaze, be sure to have all your supplies ready and within arm's reach: roller pan filled with glaze mix, roller with extension pole, ladder, wallpaper brush and rags.
  7. Completely saturate roller with glaze.
  8. Apply glaze liberally to the first taped-off section. To make it as even as possible, finish with light ceiling-to-floor strokes using the roller. Use the sash brush to apply glaze to any areas near the ceiling or trim where the roller couldn't reach.
  9. Quickly grab the wallpaper brush and drag it from top to bottom along the entire section. Use a rag to wipe any excess glaze from the brush.
  10. Starting back at the top, immediately drag the wallpaper brush lightly across the wet glaze from left to right in a smooth, single swipe. Continue with these horizontal strokes until you reach the bottom.
  11. Repeat steps 7-9 on alternating areas of the wall.
  12. Allow to dry completely.
  13. Gently remove tape from the finished areas, then tape off the unpainted areas.
  14. Repeat steps 7-9 on the remaining sections.
  15. Allow to dry completely. Remove tape.