How to Rag Paint a Wall

Last Updated: September 3, 2020 References

Faux finishes that are textured with a rag (in place of a paint brush) add warmth and a sense of detail to a home or office space. This simple brush technique is a way to add an element of design to an interior while staying on a budget. Knowing how to rag paint a wall is a valuable skill for painters interested in transforming an interior space from something plain to a place with character. Follow these steps to learn how to rag paint a wall.

Steps

1
Prepare the room where you will be painting by removing all furniture (if possible) and other obstacles. It's important in the process of knowing how to rag paint a wall to have a clear work area.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Cover the floor and any large furniture (like couches) that cannot be removed from the room with plastic drop cloths.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Tape edges of the areas you do not wish to be painted to protect the areas from paint splatters and brush edges.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Pour paint for the base color into a paint tray. Use latex paint for the base color. This type of paint is easy to work with and to clean up and will provide a smooth base underneath the rag pattern.
- The base color latex paint is usually a lighter shade, so the glaze color that is rolled on top with the rag will stand out on top of the base coat.
5
Mix the paint for the glaze that will be applied with a rag. To prepare, use a separate paint bucket and mix the latex paint with a glaze that is water-based. The glaze will give the wall a soft look and add a sheen.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Roll the base color latex paint on the walls, covering the walls completely. Allow to dry for 24 hours before adding the rag glaze.^{[5]
X
Research source}
7
Apply the glaze paint with a rag.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Moisten the rag slightly with water and then dip it into the glaze. Dab the rag onto the wall, making a pattern. Go back in with another rag to dab off excess paint to change the pattern. Experiment.
8
Allow glaze paint to dry.
9
Wash out rollers and brushes,^{[7]
X
Research source} remove drop cloths, and return furniture to the newly rag-painted room.

Community Q&A

Question

I am painting both the walls and the ceiling of a bedroom. How do I get a nice crisp paint edge between the two?

Community Answer

Painter's tape. Pay for the more expensive variety; it's worth it.
Question

I want to rag roll a lighter green over a forest green wall. Will that work? I don't understand about glaze. Is that a separate step?

Techdocgeek

Community Answer

Yes, it should work fine to put a lighter color over top a darker color. A glaze is a final transparent or semi-transparent layer to protect and make paints shine underneath it. Think of it like a fingernail gloss. In most cases it's a separate step. In this case, your second lighter green may be a glaze if it's thinner and lets the darker show through.