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.
-
Paint the wall with a solid color. This will be your background color.
-
Select an acrylic paint color that contrasts nicely with your background color.
-
Prepare and tint a glaze with the acrylic paint you've chosen to create your desired glaze color.
-
Pour the tinted glaze into a roller tray.
-
Immerse a 2-foot-square rag into the glaze and wring it out.
-
Bunch up the rag in your hand and tuck in the edges.
-
Hold the rag with a loose grip and press it lightly to the wall.
-
Lift the rag and press it lightly to an adjacent spot on the wall.
-
Twist your wrist from left to right as you dab the rag on the wall.
-
Repeat steps 5 through 9 until the surface of the wall is covered.
Things You Will Need
- 2-foot-square Rags
- Acrylic Paints
- Drop Cloths
- Glazes
- Roller Trays
- Rubber Gloves
- Buckets
- Ladders
Tips
- 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.
Warnings
- 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.