Ragging

Ragging is just as easy as sponging, but can give your wall a more subtle, sophisticated look.

• oil-base or alkyd paint -- a darker color for the base coat and a lighter color for the top coat
• alkyd or oil glazing liquid
• heavy-duty plastic wrap, cheesecloth, or pre-washed cotton rags without hems
• brushes, low-tack painter's tape (for masking off woodwork), rollers and roller pan, mixing containers and sticks, disposable gloves

1. Make sure your wall is smooth and clean before you begin. Apply the base coat; let dry. Mix equal amounts of the top coat color with the glazing liquid. Make sure you have enough of the glaze mixture to cover the entire wall.

2. Working in 3x3-foot sections, roll the top coat onto the wall so that it's smooth and even. Wad up a rag and press it onto the wall. Lift it away. This will remove some of the glaze from the wall so that the base coat will show through, resulting in a textured look. This step works well with two people, one for rolling and one for ragging.

3. Continue pressing and lifting, turning the rag and working in a random manner. When the rag becomes saturated, use a new rag.