Dragging Pad Technique for Strié Effect on Kitchen Cabinets



 

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The dragging pad technique, known in decorative painting as strié, creates a soft, textured stripe effect on kitchen cabinets that mimics the look of aged, hand-brushed paintwork . It works by applying a tinted glaze over a painted base coat, then dragging a tool through the wet glaze to reveal the lighter color beneath .

 

What You'll Need

Base paint: A satin or eggshell finish in your chosen primary color

 

Glaze: Alkyd (oil-based) glaze offers longer working time; water-based (latex) glaze cleans up with soap and water

 

Tinting pigments: To color your glaze, available from paint stores

 

Dragging brush or pad: A soft-bristled brush 3+ inches wide or a specialized glazing brush

 

Roller and brush: For applying base coat and glaze

 

Painter's tape: For crisp edges on cabinet panels

 

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare and Paint the Base Coat

Remove cabinet doors and hardware, then clean and lightly sand all surfaces . Apply your base color and let it dry completely. For a authentic strié look, Benjamin Moore's Iron Gate is a proven choice for the base coat .

 

Step 2: Mix and Apply the Glaze

Tint your clear glaze to a shade slightly darker than your base coat—contrast is key for a pronounced strié effect, while similar tones yield a subtler look . Using a roller, apply a thin, even coat of the tinted glaze over the base color .

 

Step 3: Drag the Glaze

This is the core technique. Starting at the top, place your dragging brush flat against the wet glaze and pull it downward in one continuous, straight motion . For cabinet panels, move from the shoulder with a locked elbow to keep lines straight; start at either end and drag toward the middle . Wipe the brush clean on a rag after each stroke to remove excess glaze .

 

Step 4: Work in Sections

Work on one manageable section at a time, maintaining a wet edge to blend sections seamlessly . For cabinet doors, tape off the edges to create crisp corners where the strié pattern begins and ends .

 

Step 5: Protect the Finish

Once the glaze is completely dry, apply two coats of a clear water-based urethane or polyurethane to protect the finish and ensure it withstands kitchen wear and tear .

 

Pro Tips for Success

Work quickly with a partner if possible—one person rolls on the glaze while the other drags

 

Apply glaze thinly to avoid bleeding between lines

 

Test your color combination on a sample board before starting

 

Use a dry brush technique and push down on the brush to separate bristles, creating a natural "grain" effect

 

For the most authentic look, consider applying a second tinted glaze to recessed panel sections and dragging it with a narrow brush

 

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