About Glazing:  
Glaze refers to a substance that is thinned to create a transparent or translucent film of color. Diluting any paint substance, tinted varnish or tinted water essentially can produce a glaze.

Acrylic glazes should be applied over a water-based, latex basecoat, of the color of your choice. Eggshell sheen is preferable, but never flat (matte) finish.

For more information see sheens…

Wall Surfaces - Acrylic glazing is a non-toxic, fast drying process. The primary advantages of acrylic glazing are the non-toxic qualities of water-based products and ease of clean up.  However, due to the rapid drying rate of acrylic glazes, it is more difficult to work over large areas. A latex extender (drying time extender) such as Floetrol may be used.

A good water-based glaze coat with extended drying time is Paintmanufacture's latex glaze coat.

Method of approach:

On large wall surfaces it is generally necessary for at least two people to efficiently apply and work the glaze. Water-based glazes will still set up rather quickly. Without a methodical and timely approach to the glazing application, darker areas may appear as irregular lines, known as ‘burn’ marks. These are created because the glaze application must be applied in segments, always moving from top to bottom, then across the wall in a regular fashion (see diagram). 

Glazing application diagram for wall surfaces

Apply glaze in irregular sections.
This insures a random overall appearance and helps diminish potential 'burn' lines (glaze build up from section to section).

For Striee glazing and dragging the wall application methods vary. Refer to the wall diagrams in the appropriate section.

When a new segment is started, the previous area treated has already begun to set. With the application of glaze in the new segment, where old meets new, a build up of color may appear and create a ‘floating line’ that is unattractive and will probably interfere with the overall look of the textured or faux glaze appearance.
However, it is overcome with experience and can usually be avoided if an area can be used for “practice” before a big project is begun.

Oil based - For oil based glazing methods click here.

For specific effects, including color washing, rag- rolling, stippling and striee (dragging) refer to the artSparx archive

Always start the glaze application in the least visible area of the room. As you continue glazing, a rhythm is achieved and the overall appearance of the glaze treatment improves.

Application:

Using two glazers, one should begin by wetting the wall so the glaze flows fluidly. The glaze is then applied with a brush over an area only large enough to create the desired finish.  Keep the exposed areas ‘wet’ by leaving a buildup of glaze. The second glazer should begin the desired finish (color-wash, rag-roll, striee, etc.) while the first artist continues the glaze application on the next segment. Working in tandem, they should continue until the wall area is completed, without resting. Clean up any excess glaze that may appear on adjoining (and yet untreated) walls with a rag moistened with water.

Wall edges: Apply glaze to within ½ inch of wall edge and work to edge with a dry brush. This should prevent you from getting any fresh glaze on a previously treated wall surface.

Important Tip - How to fix drips and spills 
If wet glaze gets onto an area that has already been finished and has begun to set, it may dissolve the previous finish. Simply blot area with a dry rag to remove excess. Any attempt to repair area before completely dry may result in a mess that is virtually irreparable. Small areas are manageable. Large areas may require the complete area to be removed then re-treated.

Small area repair - Once completely dry (24 hrs.) fresh glaze may be touched in with an artist’s brush until desired results are achieved.

Large area repair - Treat before drying is complete.  If a large area of glaze is affected and begins to burn away, or dissolve, the removal of the entire glazed surface may be required. To do this, dampen a rag with mineral spirits and wipe surface until clean, using multiple rags if necessary.

Alternatively; you may allow wall to completely dry (24 hrs.) then repaint base coat and begin again.

Clean up – Clean up water-based products with warm, soapy water.

For specific effects, including color washing, rag-rolling, stippling and striee (dragging) refer to the artSparx archive

Scumble glaze - Glaze medium comparable to Glazing liquid, found readily at your local paint supply store.

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Decorative paint and glazing techniques