Rolling, Rolling, Rolling With a Rag

Another faux technique that I like, because it is easy, is Rag Rolling. Also called ragging this is in my opinion the easiest technique to learn and do. If you make mistakes no on will ever know because it will look like you meant to do it.
Rag rolling works best on large areas like walls, although you can do smaller objects and areas it really works better when you can roll your rag, so larger areas give you a better result. Rag rolling involves painting a base coat and then painting a glaze over the base coat and then "rolling" off or "rolling" on some of the glaze so the base color shows through in places. Rag rolling is a technique used to give walls a rich and elegant look. It is a great technique for making your walls really pop. Any combination of colors can be used to achieve this effect. But keep in mind that the base coat will show through as the glaze is removed.
You can find the supplies you need at most hardware stores. Many paint companies make the paints and equip specifically for these techniques of faux painting such as pre-made glazes. You can make them your self by mixing paint and paint additives but why when it has already been done for you. I am all about easy.
The first technique described below is for Rag Rolling on(adding glaze on top of base coat). The second technique description is for Rag Rolling-off(removing glaze). The list of items needed is the same for both techniques.
What you will need:

• Painters tape
• semi gloss latex paint used for the base coat
• rolling brush
• clean water
• different color glazes(as many as you are going to use)
• ragging cloth (any type of cloth can be used but rougher clothes give a better texture)
• Brushes (optional)

What you will do (Rag Rolling-On):

1. Before you begin, tape off all areas where you do not want the finish applied. Apply base coat with a roller to the entire surface. Remove tape and allow to dry over night.
2. Reapply tape. Wet a Ragging cloth in clean water and wring out well. Dip the damp ragging cloth into the selected glaze until rag is saturated. Gently wring out the rag to release the excess glaze. Twist the cloth into a cylindrical shape and roll the rag across the surface.
3. As you roll the rag, turn directions randomly distributing the desired amount of glaze. Reload glaze onto rag as needed. Repeat steps if more coverage is desired or add a second glaze color after the first has dried. When you reach corners and tight areas, gently push the rag into the tight area being careful to avoid accumulation. Excess glaze will cause an uneven appearance. Remove tape with in an hour and allow to dry.

What you will do (Rag Rolling-Off):

1. Before you begin, be sure to tape off all woodwork and other areas you do not want to paint. Apply base coat with a roller to the entire surface. Remove tape and allow to dry over night.
2. Reapply tape. Apply selected glaze with a roller or brush. Apply in random 2-4' jigsaw like patterns.( you will work on one "jig-saw" area at a time to prevent the glaze from drying too much).
3. Twist a clean damp rag at varying angles over the wet glazed surface, lifting some of the glaze to reveal a random pattern. Rinse and wring out cloth when it becomes saturated with glaze or change to a clean cloth. Remove tape with in an hour and allow to dry completely.

Now how easy is that?
Here are some tips for a successful project:

• For a longer open working time and a higher overall sheen use an interior semi-gloss enamel as a base coat.
• Use a clear mixing glaze for re wetting a partly dry edge.
• Remove painters tape before the area is completely dry to avoid damaging your painted surface. Sometimes the paint adheres to the tape and you will remove part of your project with the tape.

Again as on the last project this is very easy to do but does require patience between drying times. Have fun creating your Courageous designs.