Herringbone Paint Technique

How to create a herringbone pattern with a simple paint technique called combing.

Herringbone Chair

A midcentury-modern icon has a brush with tradition in this homage to herringbone, applied by dragging a combing tool across the chair diagonally -- first in one direction, then the other.

Base Coat: Benjamin Moore 2170-50 Teacup Rose (back and seat) and Benjamin Moore 013 Fan Coral (legs and frame)
Glaze Tint: Benjamin Moore 1297 Minstrel Heart

A triangular rubber combing tool features the narrow teeth necessary to produce a herringbone pattern.

Paint the Background

Using a 9-inch paint roller with a 1/4-inch nap, paint the surface in desired color using latex paint. Let dry thoroughly.

Make the glaze: Mix 1 part latex paint (pearl finish or satin finish) with 1 part latex or acrylic glazing liquid and 2 parts water. (If using oil paint, mix 1 part oil paint with 1 part oil glazing liquid and 1 part mineral spirits.)

Proceed with any of the patterns, applying the tinted glaze over the dried base coat.

Tip: Smooth irregularities as you work (they can catch the glaze and obscure its effect).

Paint the Herringbone

Using tape to mark 1-inch-wide sections eliminates the need for measuring.

Affix a length of 1-inch-wide painters' tape down the center of item (base coat should already be applied and dried).

Affix 2 more lengths of the tape to one side of the first. Remove middle strip. [See image 2 above.]

Continue taping off, using middle strip as a spacer, until every other length is exposed.

Apply a tinted glaze with a China bristle brush. Drag a triangular comb across surface at a 45-degree angle. Repeat until surface is covered. Let dry completely.

Remove tape strips. Apply fresh tape over combed strips to cover them completely.

Apply a second coat of tinted glaze. Drag comb through it at opposite 45-degree angle.

Lift the tape, and the herringbone pattern will be revealed.

Other Colors to Try

1. Base Coat: Benjamin Moore 2138-30 Mohegan Sage
Glaze Tint: Benjamin Moore 1524 Nature's Scenery

2. Base Coat: Benjamin Moore 2067-70 White Satin
Glaze Tint: Benjamin Moore 438 Spring Valley

Herringbone Paint Technique

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