Pick a Tool

Most decorative painting tools are inexpensive, already in your home, and usable for positive or negative applications.

Ragging. Any clean cotton cloth can be used for ragging. Wad the cloth in a hand-size ball with folds and creases to dab on the wall, or twist the rag into a tube to roll across the wall. Experiment with the textures that different cloths leave on the wall. Try rags, T-shirts, flannel, muslin, or cheesecloth. Also consider plastic wrap, paper, even bubble wrap.

Sponging. Sponging works best with a sea sponge that can be purchased at paint, crafts, and hardware stores. Look for hand-size pieces, or cut up large sponges.

Combing. For striated and wavy-line effects, purchase a comb with notched rubber edges in a paint or crafts store. The teeth come in a variety of widths. You can make a wider combing tool by notching a rubber squeegee or using the corrugated side of cardboard. Household brushes with coarse but pliable bristles can also be dragged through glaze for a stringy look.

Alternative materials. Just about any material can be used to dab or drag. Stipple over a glazed wall with a household brush for grainy texture, or drag a hair comb through wet glaze.

Cheesecloth

Cheesecloth can be rolled or dabbled for a fine texture in positive or negative techniques. Wash any cloth before using to soften and remove lint.

Sponges

Sponges create soft-edge effects. Dampen and soften them with water before applying or removing glaze. Apply subtle layers of color rather than thick, distinct blotches. Rotate the sponge to avoid a repetitive pattern.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is an alternative material that creates a whimsical, dotted pattern that might be fun for a bathroom or a child's room. Have fun; experiment. Think of it as arts and crafts class.

Paper

Paper offers a crinkled look with sharp lines when dabbed or rolled. Use clean paper, such as brown bags, butcher paper, or blank newsprint.

Combs

Combs produce straight or curvy lines in negative applications. Comb steadily -- or with a curve -- from top to bottom on the wall, or just below the chair rail where the distance is shorter and lines easier to control.

Plastic wrap

Plastic wrap can be bunched to apply or remove glaze. Or, apply larger sheets of it to wet glazed walls. It will adhere and wrinkle on contact. Peel it away to reveal markings that resemble plasterwork.

Mitts

Mitts are alternatives to sponging or dabbing. They're one of a variety of tools found in crafts stores that help you apply pattern and texture easily and evenly.