Free Online Credit Evaluations!
Faux Painting Techniques
- The Internet's best
destination for faux painting information and resources.
Site Navigation:
Main Pages:
Specific Finishes:
Stone:
Painted Effects:
Metals:
Stenciling:
General Information:
Surfaces:
Website Features:
Other useful sites:
Ragging & Stippling
Ragging and Stippling are finishes that are
similar in technique, in that a paint/glaze is applied and then manipulated
with either a brush, rag or newspaper.
Both finishes should be applied only to a well cleaned and prepared surface. A surface painted with two coats of latex primer is ideal. One can use a water based glaze, but for a more professional finish, try an oil based mixture of at least 50% scumble glaze. This glaze can be purchased at any local home improvement store. Read through our paints and glazes page for more information on glaze types.
Want to Learn some great Faux Painting Techniques?
Our Learning Faux downloadable e-book (fully printable), has been written with one primary goal in mind. To introduce the novice faux painter to the most popular faux painting finishes.
Stippling is a more technical finish and is best completed in one layer, while ragging can be built up in layers. Working with layers, leave the first layer to dry completely before applying the next. Experiment with rags, newspapers or plastic bags before you decide on a technique.
Proper stippling brushes are essential for this technique; however, these can be expensive. A large, light wallpaper or dusting brush achieves the same general effect. Rotate your hand when off the surface to avoid creating a pattern.
Below are some images and more specific instructions to give you a better idea of how to create these finishes.
Ragging:
)
)
Apply the glaze evenly using a small brush. Work the glaze, drawing a basket weave effect using light brush strokes to achieve an even coverage.
Stippling:
Crumple a rag or a cloth so that it is
easy to grip. Dab the glaze with
the rag, turning your hand as you
work. This will avoid a regular
pattern being created as you work.
)
)
When stippling, apply the glaze evenly, then use a dry stippling brush or wallpaper brush to stipple the area. If you are putting glaze back on to the surface, the brush is too wet.
Stippling is a delicate effect which lends itself to string colors. Tint the glaze with artist's oils rather than eggshell, which thickens the glaze, in order to give the glaze more movement by using 60% scumble to 40% turpentine.
To summarize:
With ragging and stippling, you can use either a latex paint cut with a latex based glaze, or you can use a oil based glazed tinted with the desired color you want to achieve.
For ragging effects, apply a base color followed by the final color/coat. Then, with your choice of a rag, newspaper or plastic bag, dab over the entire surface, playing with the effect until you reach the desired look.
For stippling, apply your base coat, let it dry and then apply a final coat in sections, from the top to the bottom of the wall. Create the desired stipple effect with your choice of brush, again playing with the technique until you get the finish you desire.
Both ragging and stippling are easy faux finishes to master. Have fun with them and do not worry about making mistakes or completing these effects incorrectly. There is no "wrong" way to complete the finish.
Related Articles:
Copyright 2003 Faux Painting Techniques.com All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. Images remain property of their respective owners.