Painting

Interior Decorative Painting Tips

Rag Rolling

Rag Rolling can be done in either a positive or negative technique. Make a subtle look by selecting glaze and basecoat in similar colors. Make a dramatic look by selecting the base coat to either be much lighter or much darker than the glaze.

Materials and Tools Needed

Here's everything you'll need for this painting technique.

Valspar® Satin Interior Base Coat Valspar® Signature Colors® Faux Glaze OR
Paint Roller with 3/8" Nap and Paint Tray Valspar® Signature Colors® Faux Tintable Glaze
Bucket and Ragging Cloth Painter's Tape and Drop Cloth
Practice Board (optional)  

Rag Rolling-On Paint Technique

Step 1. Before you begin, tape off all areas where you do not want the finish applied. Apply Valspar base coat with a roller to the entire surface. Remove tape and allow to dry overnight.

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Step 2. Reapply tape. Wet a Ragging Cloth in clean water and wring out well. Dip the damp Ragging Cloth into the selected glaze until rag is saturated. Gently wring out rag to release the excess glaze. Twist the cloth into a cylindrical shape and roll the rag across the surface.

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Step 3. As you roll the Ragging Cloth, turn directions randomly distributing the desired amount of glaze. Reload glaze onto rag as needed. Repeat steps if more coverage is desired or add a second glaze color after the first has dried. When you reach corners and tight areas, gently push the Ragging Cloth into the tight areas, being careful to avoid accumulation. Excess glaze will cause an uneven appearance. Remove tape within an hour and allow to dry.

Rag Rolling-Off Paint Technique

Valspar Satin Interior Base Coat Paint

Step 1. Before you begin, be sure to tape off all woodwork and other areas you do not want to paint. Apply Valspar base coat in desired color with a roller to entire surface. Follow instructions on label. Remove tape and allow to dry overnight.

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Step 2. Reapply tape. Apply selected glaze with a roller or brush. Apply in random 2-4 ft. jigsaw-like patterns (see diagram, below).

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Step 2 diagram. Wall is 14 ft. wide by 8 ft. high.

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Step 3. Twist a clean, damp Ragging Cloth at varying angles over the wet glazed surface, lifting some of the glaze to reveal a random pattern. Rinse and wring out cloth when it becomes saturated with glaze or change to a clean Ragging Cloth. Remove tape within an hour and allow to dry completely.

Popular Color Combinations

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Rag Rolling shown in Base Coat: 5003-5C Lake Country, Glaze: 4007-8A Blue Eyes

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Rag Rolling shown in Base Coat: 3001-8B New Penny, Glaze: Earth Opal

Valspar Signature Colors Faux Glaze

Rag Rolling shown in Base Coat: 2004-6C Cape Sands, Glaze: Pearl

Color accuracy will vary based on monitor and printer calibrations. Please visit your local retailer to view actual color samples before making final painting decisions.

Tips for Success

Choose from our pre-mixed colors or have your glaze color custom-tinted at the paint counter.

Try your technique on a practice board before you try it on the walls.

For a simple transformation or quick update, this technique is easy to paint over. No sanding or stripping of the underlying faux finish is needed. Just apply a topcoat of paint and you're done!

Valspar Painting DIY

You've prepped with care. Now we'll show you how to paint with confidence.