How to Faux Paint by Rag Rolling

Rag rolling is an easy way to achieve a soft, textured effect on a wall. It's also a good project for a first-time faux painter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2-foot-square Rags
• Acrylic Paints
• Drop Cloths
• Glazes
• Roller Trays
• Acrylic Paints
• Drop Cloths
• Rubber Gloves
• Rubber Gloves
• Buckets
• Ladders
• Ladders

1. Paint the wall with a solid color. This will be your background color.

2. Select an acrylic paint color that contrasts nicely with your background color.

3. Prepare and tint a glaze with the acrylic paint you've chosen to create your desired glaze color.

4. 

   Pour the tinted glaze into a roller tray.

5. 

   Immerse a 2-foot-square rag into the glaze and wring it out.

6. 

   Bunch up the rag in your hand and tuck in the edges.

7. 

   Hold the rag with a loose grip and press it lightly to the wall.

8. Lift the rag and press it lightly to an adjacent spot on the wall.

9. Twist your wrist from left to right as you dab the rag on the wall.

10. 

    Repeat steps 5 through 9 until the surface of the wall is covered.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid turning the rag while it's on the wall, unless you like a smeared effect.
• Use a glaze specifically designed for faux finishes - it gives a sense of translucence and depth to the wall. Flat paint just looks flat.
• Refold your rag every once in a while for a more random texture.
• Have adequate ventilation while you're painting and while paint is drying.
• Use caution when working on a ladder. Make sure it's stable before climbing on.
• Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and to make washing up easier.

on 11/22/2005 For those who want an easier life, you can always purchase a Rag Roller. It's less messy and quicker. It's great for those who don't like getting their hands dirty or who are short of time.

on 11/22/2005 Try not to go in a straight line, but roll in different directions to avoid a repetitive appearance.

on 11/22/2005 Another variation of rag rolling can be gathering the cloth in your hand in a flower-like shape and dabbing it on the wall, like sponging rather than rolling ... a nice look. Always practice first.

on 11/22/2005 A soft, more professional look will be achieved when the base coat and glaze are of the same color family or of the same intensity - ie., soft blue base w/a blue of the same color strip 1 or 2 colors up or down on the strip. Or light yellow w/light blue.