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| Ragging enlivens the appearance
of any wall, giving it a much desired warmth and texture.
The finish is extremely adaptable. I have used it with
soft greens and beiges to create old-world charm, and
have added shimmering metallics for a high-tech, urban
penthouse. Yet for all its visual sophistication, this
finish is surprisingly quick to create. Why not try this
easy and enjoyable finish in your home? |
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Base Color
Benjamin Moore Paint #AC-37
Glaze Colors
(A) Benjamin Moore Paint #2115-20
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How-To Instructions
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Prep 1:
Before base coating, make sure your surface is in good
condition. Patch holes and cracks with spackling paste,
and wash any dirt from surface using a mild soap. Mask
all windows, baseboards, and moldings using 2"
painter's tape. Evenly apply paint with roller. Base
coat should always be a satin or semi-gloss latex finish.
Two coats may be necessary depending on coverage. Let
dry 24 hours.
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Prep 2:
Before you faux, prepare
your glaze/paint mixture(s). A 5:1 ratio (5 parts Faux
Like A Pro glaze to 1 part paint) is highly recommended.
This ratio will allow you time to work the finish and
prevent it from drying too fast.
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Step 1:
Ragging is a "negative" technique in which
you will apply glaze to the wall and remove it with
rags. Evenly roll on glaze A in a vertical fashion
using a short nap. Fill in 4-6 sq. ft. sections
leaving a jagged edge where the next section of
glaze will be applied. |
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Step 2:
As you roll around moldings you will notice the
roller leaving a slight gap. Fill in this space
by stippling in the glaze with a 3" chip brush.
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Step 3:
Corners will be stippled in the same manner as step
two. Be careful not to let too much glaze accumulate
in the corner. Your corners should be neat and blend
with the other walls. |
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Step 4:
It's time to texture the glaze! It's best to work
quickly, preferably with two people. Hold a lint-free,
white cotton rag in your hand allowing it to hang
generously over your fingers. Hit the wall with
firm, rapid movements, twisting your wrist from
left to right. Let your hand skim freely over the
wall, removing most of the glaze yet still leaving
distinct imprints. The idea is to break up the glaze
into small, random patterns, not smear it or wipe
it off entirely. |
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Step 5:
Using a clean, cotton rag, repeat step 4 concentrating
on the heavily saturated areas. The more glaze you
remove, the more subtle your finish will look. Work
your wall until it looks consistent. Once you are
satisfied with your first section, repeat steps
1-4 until the entire wall is covered. A second color,
delicately applied with a sea sponge, will give
your walls added depth.
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Tip 1
Avoid tapping the wall repeatedly in one place.
This closes in the pattern and will make your
finish muddy. Frequently stand back to judge the
uniformity of your finish.
Tip 2
When ragging off the glaze,
leave a 3-inch "wet edge" untouched.
Roll on your next section, overlapping the previous
wet edge. This will loosen up the glaze and help
you avoid lap lines.
Tip 3
Change your rags frequently
as they become saturated with paint.
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FINAL FINISH |
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Supplies:
- gallon of glaze
You will also need the following
basic supplies from your local hardware store:
- paint roller
- medium nap
- short nap
- roller tray
- 3" latex cutting brush
- two 3" chip brush for stippling corners
- large bucket for water
- 2 containers to hold glaze/paint mixture
- painter's tape
- latex gloves
- 100 % cotton rags for texturing and clean up
- drop cloths
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