The timeless elegance of strié painting meets the classic charm of plaid in this creative tutorial from Amy Howard at Home. Inspired by iconic textile patterns and the work of legendary designer Sister Parish, this project demonstrates how to add texture, movement, and visual interest to furniture and walls using just paint and glaze.
This sophisticated finish mimics the look of woven fabric—perfect for accent pieces, nursery walls, reading nooks, and more. The result is a hand-applied design that feels rich and artisanal without the commitment of wallpaper.
About the Technique
The term strié (French for "streaked") refers to a linear glaze technique often used in faux finishing. In this case, the strié method is applied in a crosshatch plaid pattern, drawing inspiration from fabrics like tartan, gingham, madras, and Burberry-style checks.
Materials Used
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One Step Paint: Java and Linen
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Gel Stains: English Walnut and Antique Pine
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Matte Sealer (optional: Gloss Sealer for layering)
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DIY Squeegee Tool or Stencil (hand-cut or store-bought)
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Sandpaper (220 grit), Tack Cloth, Measuring Cups, Rags
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Chip Brush or Foam Brush for Application
Step 1: Select Your Base Color & Design
Start by choosing colors in the same monochromatic family for a harmonious look, or go bold with brighter accents for a more playful madras-inspired pattern. The example in this tutorial uses Linen as the base with Java as the glaze overlay.
Before painting:
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Clean your surface thoroughly with Clean Slate.
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Apply two coats of your base color.
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Let the paint cure for 24 hours before applying glaze to avoid lifting.
Step 2: Build Your Plaid Pattern Template
Cut a plaid-style stencil or squeegee from cardboard or plastic. For durability and ease, inexpensive plastic squeegees from a dollar store are ideal. Design your plaid pattern on paper first, mapping out full stripes and negative spaces.
🔧 Tip: Create an inverse stencil for the horizontal pass if you want extra definition between directions.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
Combine your paint and glaze using a 1:1:1 ratio:
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1 part paint (e.g., Java)
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1 part Glazed Over
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1 part water
Mix thoroughly for at least 2 minutes. Stir regularly during use to maintain even consistency.
Step 4: Apply the Strié Finish
Work in sections the width of your stencil:
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Use a chip brush to apply a thin layer of the glaze mixture.
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Immediately drag your stencil or squeegee through the glaze in vertical strokes.
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Wipe the tool clean between each pass.
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Once the vertical pattern is dry, repeat the process horizontally using the inverse stencil.
📏 Use a level or pencil guides to ensure straight lines—especially important on large surfaces like walls or buffets.
Step 5: Customize the Look
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For crisp lines, use more glaze and a firm stencil.
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For a soft, blended effect, reduce the glaze-to-paint ratio.
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Consider adding a single accent stripe in a bolder hue to mimic traditional tartan designs.
Step 6: Finishing Touches & Sealing
Once dry:
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Seal with two coats of Matte Sealer for durability and a professional finish.
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For extra protection (e.g., benches or high-touch surfaces), apply one coat of Gloss Sealer first, followed by two coats of Matte Sealer for a strong yet elegant matte effect.
Optional: Matching the Wood Finish
To complement the painted surface:
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Use Clean Slate before sanding raw wood.
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Sand with 220 grit paper.
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Wipe away residue with a tack cloth.
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Mix Antique Pine and English Walnut gel stains to achieve a soft, aged patina.
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Apply with a brush or cloth; allow to dry, then seal with wax or matte sealer.
Final Reveal: A Classic with Character
This one-of-a-kind strié plaid buffet was originally an altered vintage piece with its legs cut off. With this technique, it’s been reimagined into a statement piece featuring subtle texture, layered tones, and a nod to classic textiles.
The strié plaid finish proves to be an ideal DIY method for those looking to bring warmth, heritage, and sophistication into their spaces—without needing to wallpaper a single wall.