Rag rolling technique is as straight forward as its name implies – you just roll paint on or off a prepared surface by rolling a rag across the wall.
Tools and Materials:
- One or two glazes in complimentary colors
- Bucket of clean water
- Painter\’s tape and a drop cloth
- Rag or ragging roller cover
- Newspaper for dapping off excess paint
- Practice board or cardboard to try a ragging test run before starting on the wall
Ragging On Directions:
- Dip (but do not saturate) your rag into the glaze.
- Carefully twist the rag into a long roll.
- Beginning at the edge of the ceiling, roll the rag on the wall moving in various directions and beginning each roll at a different angle.
- Apply the same amount of pressure as you roll the rag across the wall for a consistent appearance.
- Continue for the whole work area
- Let the glaze dry, then apply another colour if desired. Remember that the last color applied with be the most prominent color.
- Once all colors are ragged on, a coat of varnish can be applied, if desired.
Ragging Off Directions:
- Basically involves painting a base coat and rolling the paint off with a rag. This works best when there are two people working, one painting the base, the other ragging off. Mark off ceiling, woodwork, corners, and floor with painter\’s tape.
- Continue ragging off at various angles and in different directions for a more random appearance.
- To achieve a parchment look, use plastic bags instead of rags. Heavily textured rags or lace can add more ‘contrasting’ look
- Follow up with a varnish or clear glaze, if desired.
