Faux Finishing (Ragging)

Faux finish painting is a type of finishing technique that involves creating a layered texture effect by imitating the look of other types of surfaces.  One of the more popular ways to create a faux finish is ragging. Ragging will add an old leather-like weathered look simply by using the unique blotting or rolling of your rags across your wall or canvass.

Here are some steps to follow:

Expert Tip: Try this technique on a sample board first to experiment with the texture designs before starting your project.

1. To achieve soft, textured effects on your walls, you will need to start with lint free rags such as Precision-Fiber Cloths or a smooth white wiper such as in the Roll O’Rags, a paint tray, a paint brush or roller, painters tape, latex glaze, and if you choose, Floetrol.
2. Apply a base coat of solid color paint (remember that the first color applied will show the least). Make sure it is a full coat, as this will prevent flashing and dark spots when glaze is applied.
3. Be sure the base coat is thoroughly dry before beginning the ragging process.
4. Mix 3 volumes of latex paint to 1 volume of Floetrol (optional) and 1 volume of latex glaze.  Floetrol will improve the performance of the paint and will reduce the appearance of hard edge strokes.
5. Pour your paint mixture into a paint tray. This mixture should be thick like syrup.
6. Next, wet your Precision-Fiber Cloth or Roll O’ Rags wiper. It should not be wringing wet, just damp. Then, dip it into the paint mixture. Work the mixture into the rag, and squeeze the excess off.
7. You can either open the rag and then crumple it loosely in your hand, or you can roll the wiper depending on your desired effect.
8. Begin in the upper corner of the area you are painting, and press the rag gently on wall, or you can roll it down the wall if you chose to roll your wiper. Repeat until you cover approximately one square yard. The irregular imprints are what gives the finish the unique look you desire. Leave as much base coat paint exposed as you desire, but try to be consistent. If you like your design, move on to the next section of your wall or canvass.  Keep in mind while you continue to use the ragging technique,  that the first blots and rolls (after dipping into the paint) will have the most paint and will appear heaviest in pattern.  As the paint leaves the rags and becomes lighter, go back and fill in any spots in your pattern. The pattern should look irregular up close, but from a far, it should appear like an even pattern.
9. Vary the pattern by re-crumpling the rag. You may also try to roll the rag in different ways for varying effects.
10. Remember to rinse out your Precision-Fiber Cloth or Roll O’Rags wiper every so often so that you do not have any paint build up.