Rag rolling painting techniques can give the wall the look of time-softened leather or of weathered stucco. The technique involves painting the wall with a light color, and then covering that dried basecoat with a darker or contrasting topcoat. Here are key things to know before you start:
- You could use twisted rags rag for this technique, but it's much easier on your hands to use a special rag roller cover. You do need to use a scrunched rag for the edges and corners the roller can't reach.
- You have two choices for applying the topcoat: Use the rag roller to spread the topcoat over the basecoat (the additive method) or apply it with a regular roller and then go over the wet topcoat with a dry or damp rag roller to remove some paint (the subtractive method). The additive method lets more of the basecoat show through. Experiment to see which look you prefer.
- You can use water to thin the topcoat, but using a glaze gives more reliable results.
- Because the topcoat is thinned with water or glaze, it isn't as durable as a standard surface, so use rag rolling painting techniques in low-traffic areas.
- Allow enough time to complete an entire wall in one session.
All You Need
- Semi-gloss or satin paint in desired color for basecoat
- Satin wall paint in desired color for topcoat
- Glaze
- Materials needed to prepare the walls, such as TSP substitute cleaner, sandpaper, patching compound, liquid de-glosser if walls have glossy surface and blue masking tape for protecting areas you don't want to paint
- Paint trays and liner, or paint bucket with a roller rack
- Rollers frame and a regular roller cover with a 1/4-inch nap and a rag roller cover
- Mixing bucket
- Stir stick
- Drop cloth to protect floors
- Rags
Step-by-Step
1. To prepare the walls, wash the walls with water or a TSP substitute; patch holes; de-gloss if the surface is shiny; and prime if needed. Tape areas you don't want to paint and spread a drop cloth on the floor.
2. Using a regular paint roller, apply the basecoat. Let dry for 24 hours.
3. In the mixing bucket, mix the topcoat paint with the glaze according to label directions. A common ratio is 1 part paint to 4 parts glaze. Stir thoroughly with the stir stick.
4. Put the rag roller cover on one of the rollers and adjust it as described on the package.
5. Subtractive method. Beginning in a top corner, use the regular roller cover to apply the topcoat to a 2-foot by 2-foot area. While the topcoat is still wet, go over it with the dry rag roller to remove some of the topcoat, rolling in random directions until you achieve the result you like.
Additive method. Use the rag roller to apply the second coat, rolling in random directions until you achieve the result you like. Use the roller dry, or dampen it for a softer result.
6. Repeat on the next area, slightly overlapping the wet edge of the previous area. (If the edge dries, moisten it with a damp sponge.)
7. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
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