Rag rolling: water based
		Color mixing recipes Parchment color recipe artSparx Color Learning Center More about glazing... Ragging - water-based - positive method Ragging - oil glazing - positive method More decorative paint and glazing techniques
	Rating 2 -  moderate

For use on walls, furniture, objects

As with all decorative finishes produced with the Negative method of glaze application an eggshell sheen is recommended for all surfaces being treated.

It is recommended that 2 individuals work in tandem to produce this finish. This approach to rag rolling produces a slightly softer, more fluid rag appearance.

The recipe method that follows is designed to create a soft subtle decorative rag effect, ideally suited for most environments.

Step 1: Remove all nails and repair any damaged or cracked areas. Prime as needed. Refer to the artsparx basic preparation resource for tips and techniques….

Step 2:Tape off all baseboard edges, ceiling edge, trim and doorframes. Remove all electrical and light switch cover plates. Cover furniture and floor areas with drop cloths.

Step 3: Determine the over all color value of the room or surface being treated. Color Suggestions. Choose an eggshell base color of your choice that is slightly lighter than the overall color value you would like to achieve. For latex paints allow to fully dry (8 hrs).

Step 4: Mixing the secondary, rag color. In a bucket create a color combination that is a value or 2 darker than the base color. Glaze coat is mixed as a concentrated color, then diluted to the proper fluidity needed for the glazing process. As a general rule it is better to mix too much glaze color than not enough. It is very difficult to match the custom color once you have started glazing a room. For most rooms, one quart of Paintmanufacture latex glazing liquid will be sufficient. Using universal tinters, add color slowly, mixing thoroughly until desired color is achieved. Add ¼ cup Floetrol to help extend the drying time. It may also be helpful to add small amounts of water to facilitate mixing. This will be your ‘master glaze’. You can experiment in a low visibility area of the surface being treated. Adjust color to the ‘master glaze’ to your liking, wiping clean your test area after each test application

For color combinations, base color recommendations and glaze color recipes refer to the artSparx color palette.

Step 5: Wear disposable gloves. With glaze color prepared take two 2.5-quart buckets place a portion of glaze color in one. Add water slowly and dilute to proper consistency, approx. like cream. Experiment. In the other bucket fill 2/3 full with water.

When glazing, always work from top to bottom. If you start at the bottom and work upward, any drips or spills occurring can damage already treated lower portion finish.

Step 6: Use the sponge for the water and take a clean 3 inch to 5 inch brush to use for your color glaze. Starting at the top of the wall, individual 1 should take use the sponge, wet with the water, and dampen surface. Work in one area at a time, moving methodically forward over wall surface. Saturating the surface first allows the glaze to go on fluidly and evenly.

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). See glazing methods for more information.

The second individual should take the brush, dipped in the glaze, and brush over dampened area of wall to spread glaze. Work evenly over area for full coverage. Make sure not to leave any open areas. Soften glaze color working in a criss-cross manner with another brush until relative smoothness is achieved. Work quickly and conscientiously, keeping exposed edges dampened with water.

Step 7: Using a clean rag, open rag and loosely create a ‘ball’ in your hand. Begin to dab rag over surface, using a firm touch and continually moving wrist to vary pattern being created. This will remove the freshly applied glaze from the surface, revealing the base color and producing a rag texture. Regularly open rag and reposition in hand so as not to get the rag to saturated with glaze and to insure a fresh rag pattern. Work evenly over surface. Change to a clean rag when necessary.

If glaze is to fluid and continually sags, allow to set momentarily then return to soften glaze the apply rag texture. Be aware that latex glazes set quickly.

Step 8: Move to next area and repeat. Do not stop until entire surface has been treated. Do not put glaze on previous edge but rather apply within 1 inch or so and soften into previous edge with sponge or dry brush.

At corners apply glaze with ½ to 1 inch of edge and with a dry brush, work into corner, then soften, smooth and blot with rag with light, gentle movements.

Step 9: A water based varnish, such as Benjamin Moore Stays Clear may be applied after rag rolled surfaces have dried completely (24 hrs.) for surface protection. For wall surfaces it is recommended to use flat (matt) finish, Eggshell or Low-luster finish.

Step 10: Clean up with warm, soapy water.

Step 11: Retain some of the master glaze for future touch ups. Dispose of remaining glazes properly.

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 and artists’ brush until desired results are met.

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 warm water 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.