Ragging a Broken Colour Technique

ragging /rag/ n.2 L20. [f. RAG n.1 + -ING1.] The process or technique of decorating a wall etc. by applying or smudging paint with a rag or piece of material; the effect or finish so produced.

As you can see there is no mention of ragging on or ragging off just ragging.

In ragging the effect is achieved when a clean dry lint free cotton rag is pressed into wet glaze.

The rag must be crumpled in the hand and the folds are what make the marks on the surface.

The effect was always carried out in an oil based glaze but now, with modern water based materials, the process is cleaner, safer and the colours do not change or yellow.

TOOLS

Pieces of clean lint free cotton rags about 400mm by 400mm (16in by 16in) square.

Brushes and Roller for applying the base colour and the glaze.

Pieces of cardboard for keeping the paint off the ceiling etc.

MATERIALS

Acrylic eggshell for the base, your choice of colour - don't forget to experiment.

Water based glaze - you can buy it already mixed or you can mix it yourself with clear glaze and paint.

METHOD

The base should be hard dry so as when the glaze is applied you can wipe it away completely without leaving any marks.

Apply the glaze with a large brush or a roller - roller is best as brush marks can impair the ragging effect. The rag is then crumpled in the hand and pressed on the surface - do about one square meter (one square yard) at a time, this will stop the glaze from drying too quick.

Do one wall at a time and use the pieces of cardboard up against the wall you are not working on as well as the ceiling.

Give the finished work a coat of matt acrylic varnish to protect it.

That's it - happy painting.

Any questions? You can email to fred.biddulph@btopenworld.com