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
• Rubber Gloves
• Buckets
• 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.