Directions on Faux Painting

A nice example of the ragging faux finishing technique

A variety of techniques can be used to faux paint walls. Using a rag finish can transform a room and add richness and texture to the walls.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket of bleach solution (bleach diluted in water)
• Sponge
• Newspapers or drop cloths
• Three colors of latex paint, a base coat and two shades for ragging
• Paint roller
• Paint tray and liners
• Thin gloves
• Material for ragging--recycled t-shirts and/or scraps of fabric cut into a size that fits in your hand when scrunched up
• Bucket for water

Instructions

1. 

   Paint adheres better to clean walls.

   Remove dirt, grease and grime from the walls by wiping them with a sponge dipped in bleach solution.

2. Remove switch plates and outlet covers, move furniture out of the way and tape off windows, doors, baseboards and window trim. Cover the floor with drop cloths or newspaper.

3. 

   Wearing gloves to protect your hands, apply the base coat to your walls with the paint roller.

4. Soak t-shirts and fabric scraps in a bucket of water until saturated, then wring out completely.

5. Pour the first ragging color into your paint tray. Take one piece of scrap fabric and scrunch it into a ball in the palm of your hand. Dip the scrunched-up fabric into the first ragging color. Do not soak the fabric and dab out any excess paint into the paint tray.

6. Press the paint on to the wall by holding the cloth in the palm of your hand and, with your hand flat, pressing the paint on to the wall. Apply the first ragging color to all the walls, adding more paint to the fabric as needed. Allow this layer to dry before adding the second color.

7. Pour second ragging color into a paint tray and repeat steps 7 through 11.

8. 

Tips & Warnings

• Choosing lighter ragging shades than the base will create a frosty look. A darker ragging color will make the room more dramatic.

• For a protective coat that can be wiped clean, apply a coat of clear polyurethane after the paint dries.

• Practice your ragging technique and color combination on a piece of paper first.

References

• "Crafting & Decorating Made Simple"; ABIMP Inc.; 1996