Closely related base
colors are easiest
to blend.

Tips for Success

• For negative techniques, you'll need a semigloss or satin base coat (flat paint absorbs glaze, which isn't a problem for quick, positive techniques). For beginners, choose closely related base and glaze colors, such as a light and a dark blue. Stark contrasts are trickier to blend.
• Tape off the woodwork and ceiling. To avoid double layers of glaze in corners where tools might mark the opposing wall, tape around one wall, let it dry, then tape the edges of the wall you just did, and glaze the others.
• Mix enough glaze to do all the walls. Another batch may not match the color.

Negative applications
work best with an
assistant.

• Wear thin rubber gloves.
• For positive techniques, pour some mixed glaze into a shallow container, such as a plate or paint pan. Dab some glaze off the tool before you take it to the wall for light layers of soft color.
• With negative applications, put a thin, even amount of glaze on the wall -- too much gets messy. This application works best with a helper: one person applies glaze while the other adds texture before it dries, keeping a wet edge. If you have to stop during this technique, finish the wall you're on to avoid dry edges and overlap marks. You can stop work on positive applications at any point.

Dab over mistakes
with the base coat.

• Work in 2- to 3-foot sections so the glaze stays wet. Additives called extenders will lengthen open time (the time the glaze stays wet enough to work with once applied).
• If you make a mistake, dab over the area with base coat.
• Apply tools lightly; pressure leaves too much glaze and not enough pattern.
• Rotate your hand and tool for pattern variety.
• Read the container for mixing instructions and tips.