DIY Network

All Projects

TV Projects

    What Do You Want To Work On?

      What Activity Do You Want To Do?

        0

        Available Projects

        Get Results

        How to Paint With Rags

        Rag painting with its soft, fresh look is a great way to update a bathroom on a budget.

        More in Painting

        Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

        Step 2: Choose Paint Colors

        A smart way to start the project is to pick out your accessories first. This will help you decide on the complementary colors for the paint and glaze you'll need for the walls.

        Step 3: Clean the Walls and Mix the Paint

        Before you begin rag painting, clean and patch the walls and apply a basecoat of paint. Allow the basecoat to dry overnight before applying the rag technique. You’ll want to create a mixture of metallic paint, wall color and glaze. Dampening your rag with water will allow it to soak up glaze more evenly than a dry rag.

        Step 4: Experiment With Designs

        Practicing on poster boards is a great way to experiment with designs. Different rags give different textures. You can try soft cotton cloth, a plastic bag or even a paper lunch bag.

        Reshaping the rag or bag creates more patterns. Rotating your hand as you apply the paint will create a smoother look. The less paint you squeeze out, the more dramatic the design will be. With more paint squeezed out, you’ll get a lighter, more subtle design. Overlapping sections will blend edges.

        Step 5: Paint the Walls

        If you make a mistake, rub the glaze with a clean rag, allow the area to dry, and cover with the basecoat. When you’re happy with the design, the glaze can be painted on the walls in sections.

        Finally add your new towels and accessories and your bath will go from boring to beautiful without breaking the budget

        Was this project helpful?

        Don't forget: Read comments and leave your own

        Advertisement

        COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT

            

        Sign in

        All fields are required.

        E-mail Address:

        Password:

        Remember me on this computer

        Signing in

        Please enter your email address and we will send your password

        E-mail Address

        Your password has been sent and should arrive in your mailbox very soon.

        Not a member?

        Sign up with DIY Network to share tips with other do-it-yourselfers and comment and ask questions on projects.

        It's free and easy.