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Dragging

Dragging creates subtly shaded natural looking stripes. Its vertical lines gives an elegant look, and tend to add the impression of height to a room. A technique often used on door panels, dada rails and skirting boards.

YOU WILL NEED

• Colored Latex/Emulsion or Special Effects paint.

• Silk as a background for your wall, Gloss or Quick Dry Satin as a background for woodwork and furniture.

• Dragging brush.

• Brush or paint roller and tray.

• Card to test your technique before painting.

* Do not use matt latex/emulsion for your background, as it is too absorbent, unless you are experienced.

YOUR STEP BY STEP GUIDE

• Before you start, experiment on a card to achieve the desired effect.

• Ensure surface to be decorated is clean.

• Apply a base coat and allow to dry.

• Apply the paint evenly with a brush or roller in strips of approximately 60cm (24”) wide.

• While the paint instill wet, use the maximum flat area of the dragging brush and drag downwards smoothly, standing back occasionally to assess the effect.

• Wipe the brush with-a cloth after each drag.

• When decorating walls it is easier to work with a partner - one applying the paint and the other dragging the surface.

• Starting at one edge work across. A second strip can be painted while the first is being dragged.

• If dragging wood, always drag along the grain.

USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS

• Allow enough time to complete a wall in one session.

• Dragging looks best on small areas such as window frames, cupboards and doors.

• Applying varying pressures to the brushstroke can create different effects.

• Bear in mind that it is difficult to achieve a consistent effect no larger areas such as walls.

• If a mistake is made, wipe or roll over the surface and re-drag.

• Surfaces subject to wear and tear should be protected with clear varnish which should be applied after the effect has been allowed to dry for at least 24 hours.