Glazing Painting Techniques

Glazing painting techniques are easy---more art than science. If you're new to glazing, you might want to try out each method on a poster board before beginning a large project. Dry-brushing, combing, sponging, rag rolling and frottage are glazing techniques that result in texture and interesting design results.

Things You'll Need

• Dry paint brush
• Large comb
• Sea sponge
• Old clean rag
• Plastic wrap
• Water-based glaze
• Roller
• Roller pan
• Water
• Bucket
• Towel

Instructions

Dry-brush Technique

1. Apply the glaze to a clean, dry, painted surface, using a roller or a paint brush.

2. While the surface is still wet, use a dry brush and drag it across the wet surface. It can be dragged in any direction, but try one direction of your choice to begin with in order to become comfortable with the method.

3. For a woven or checked effect, let the glaze dry completely and add another coat of the glaze over the first layer. Dry-brush in a different direction.

Combing

1. Select a faux finish comb or use a wide-tooth comb you have on hand.The spaces between the comb teeth make a difference in the appearance of the final texture.

2. Apply a heavy coat of glaze to the surface for a heavy textured look when combing.

3. Pull the comb through the glaze while the glaze is wet and then let it dry. Swirl, drag in criss-cross motions, make wavy lines, or straight lines for a nicely textured finish result.

Sponging

1. Pour glaze into a pan and mix acrylic or latex paint into it in a ratio of four parts glaze to one part paint. Dip the sponge into the mixture and tap it on a clean section of the pan before applying it to the surface.

2. Once the mixture has been blended into the sponge, lightly tap the sponge over the surface in an X or Y pattern, overlapping the glaze as you work.

3. To subtract glaze from the surface, use a clean sponge and tap against the wet glaze applied to the surface. This will remove the glaze and offer a unique finish to the surface. Wipe the sponge often on a clean towel to remove excess glaze.

Rag Rolling

1. Choose a clean, soft cotton rag in a light color. Moisten the rag with water and ring it out until it is nearly dry.

2. Dip the cloth into either colored glaze or clear glaze until completely saturated. Wring it out again before rolling it over the surface. It isn't necessary to follow any specific direction when rag rolling, but the rag must be rolled up to do this technique.

3. To subtract color or glaze, do not dip the rag into the glaze before applying it to the surface. simply roll it over the wet glaze and wipe the cloth onto a towel to remove any extra glaze.

Frottage

1. Tear large pieces of plastic wrap off a roll and crumple it. Straighten the plastic wrap, but don't smooth it out completely.

2. Apply glaze to the surface with the roller or brush and press the plastic sheets over the wet glaze.

3. Peel up the plastic wrap, being careful not to smear the wet, wrinkled looking glaze beneath.

Tips & Warnings

• Use glazing techniques on furniture, cabinets, walls, floors and on paintings. Glaze changes paint from opaque to a more transparent color. Glazing offers a luminescent layer to the painted surface.

• Water-based or latex glaze cannot be used with oil paint.