"RAGGING ON" AND "RAGGING OFF"

Ragging is a quick and simple method of painting which produces outstanding results.

Ragging can be produced by two methods. With "Ragging on" the rag is used to add wet paint to the surface. "Ragging off" uses the rag to remove the wet paint. The rag can be either scrunched up and dabbed over the surface or rolled up like a sausage and then rolled over the surface to give a more consistent, regular textured pattern.

WHICH PAINT DO I USE?

For "Ragging on", you may use either Premium alkyd or acrylic latex. A latex wash is ideal for this technique.

For "Ragging off", an alkyd glaze is the preferred choice, as it stays wet and workable for a longer period of time. This glaze results in a semi-transparent finish.

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:


paint
unhemmed cotton rags approx. 18" x 18"
wash / glaze
mixing container
roller or brush
paint thinner
rubber gloves (thin, surgical type available in paint store)
paper towels
large bucket of water


HERE'S HOW!

1. If you are using the existing color as your base coat you may proceed to step 2. Otherwise, begin by preparing the surface with a base coat, using an ordinary brush or roller. Allow enough time to dry thoroughly. These techniques are easier if you mask off the adjacent walls and ceilings and around windows, doors, etc. Always use "low-tack" KleenEdge tape to ensure that you don't damage your base coat.

2. Mix your wash / glaze. Work in sections no larger than 3' x 3'. As you work you may find that the paint builds up on your gloves. Periodically dip your hands into the bucket of water and wash off any buildup. (for latex wash only)

3. "Ragging on" - Rinse your rag in water and ring it out thoroughly (it should be barely damp). Dip your rag into the latex color wash and ring out the excess paint, wiping any excess paint from your gloves also. Either "scrunch" your rag or roll it up like a "sausage", making sure you have wrinkles in the surface (as if you were wringing out a dishrag). If you can see blobs of paint on the rag, blot them off on your paper towel.

• "Scrunch" - Pick an inconspicuous spot (ie. behind a door or dresser) and begin dabbing your "scrunched" rag randomly over your 3' section, overlapping your imprints, and allowing the background color to show through. As the surface of your rag begins to dry out, shake it out and scrunch it again. Once the impressions become very light, dip the rag into the wash again and proceed into your next 3' section.
  
  
• "Sausage" - Pick an inconspicuous spot (ie. behind a door or dresser) and begin rolling your "sausage" down the wall in strips of varying lengths, overlapping each other. Also vary the direction you roll your sausage (diagonally, vertically or horizontally) to create interest and diversity in your pattern. As the surface of your sausage becomes dry shake it out and roll it into a sausage again, exposing the paint which is trapped inside the wrinkles. Once the whole rag has become very dry, dip it into the wash and begin again.

4. "Ragging off" - Once you begin this technique you can only stop for a break when you reach a natural stopping place (ie. corner). For large areas it is best to work with a partner, one person applying the glaze and the partner "ragging off". Have several clean unhemmed rags ready for use. Lightly dampen your rag with a small amount of paint thinner so that it will hold its shape when you scrunch it up or roll it into a sausage.

Pick the most inconspicuous corner of the room and begin by brushing or rolling your alkyd glaze mixture over a section no larger than 3' x 3'.

• "scrunch" - Scrunch your rag comfortably in your hand and begin to dab it over the surface, removing some of the glaze and allowing the background color to show through. Once you have the look you like, quickly roll or brush your next 3' section and begin the dabbing process again, overlapping the previous area. Once your rag becomes too wet to remove the glaze, replace it with a clean one and continue ragging off.
  
  
• "sausage" - Roll your rag into a sausage and begin rolling it over your surface in varying lengths and in random directions, removing some of the glaze and allowing the background colour to show through. As the surface of your rag becomes wet with glaze, shake it out and re-roll it until the entire surface is wet and will not pick up the glaze. Toss it aside and begin with a clean rag.

HINTS: It usually works best to start at the top of your wall and work down to the floor before moving sideways, unless your wall is much higher than it is wide. This will help you to maintain your "wet edge"on the shortest side so that you can overlap one area over another.

The color you apply last will be the most dominant. Start with the color you want to see least as your base and end with the color you want to see most. ALWAYS EXPERIMENT ON A SAMPLE BOARD FIRST TO ENSURE THE FINAL LOOK YOU WANT.

DON'T FORGET THAT THESE RAGS ARE FLAMMABLE AND WILL IGNITE ON THEIR OWN IF LEFT IN A PILE. MAKE SURE YOU DISPOSE OF THESE RAGS QUICKLY AND SAFELY.

RAGGING IS GREAT FOR DISGUISING UNEVEN OR BLEMISHED WALLS!

The best results are created by using a lighter shade as the base color and ragging a darker shade as the top coat. This quick and easy technique can be used to rejuvenate old furniture and is also very effective on ceilings and adds decorative beauty to any room. Give it a try and enjoy!

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