About Rag Rolling

Decorative painting is a way to demonstrate your distinctive style and give your room decor a customized finish. Fabricate any number of diverse textures by experimenting with color and the rag-rolling technique of employing paint. Spruce up unadorned walls or furniture with this instantaneous and simple paint effect.

Function

Painting surfaces by ragging demands at least two paint colors. The chosen base coat is usually the lighter color for rag-rolling, while the second color is more profound as it adds variation and texture.

Types

Two of the most basic types of rag-rolling are ragging on and ragging off. For both methods, a lint-free fabric is scrunched and rolled up like a hot dog. Ragging on is done by rolling a paint-saturated fabric rag over the basic color on the prepainted surface. Ragging off is done by painting the second color over the base coat and rolling a clean rag over the second color to take paint off.

Time Frame

When ragging off, it is better to work in a small area so that the paint does not dry ahead of you. Enlisting the help of a friend to roll paint while you "rag roll" can be helpful. For extra assurance, use a paint extender mixed with the paint. This will keep the paint workable for a longer period. Complete a whole wall or section at a time to assure a uniform look.

Features

The choice color for the rag-rolling coat will determine the overall look. A color lighter than the base coat will give a frosty look. It will give an airier and larger feel to a room. A color darker than the base coat will be more dramatic. Rag-rolling with paint colors in varying shades of the same color as the base coat color will create a subtler and more elegant effect. Add a glaze to the rag-rolling color to give a slight shimmer to the surface.

Potential

Rag-rolling is easier to do than wallpapering and you do not need to worry about the effects on a painted surface in a high-humidity room, such as a bathroom or kitchen. The use of interior semigloss paint or satin paint will make your finished surface durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. Experiment with small rags on smaller surfaces to make beautiful journals, picture frames and special gifts.