Making Your Own Ragged Wall

Bored with your walls? Try this approach before you throw in the towel.
Painting walls is a traditional method to get a new look. But how about using a method that can surprise you, but delight you.

Ragging a wall requires two choices and colors of paint. You can get a light color, and a darker version of that same color, or you can get two totally different colors. I like the lighter and darker shades of the same color, myself. They kind of accent each other, when you look at the finished project.

The lighter color would be used as the base coat, and the darker color will add contrast and texture. The first technique is called rag-dabbing. Just like those sponge made colored walls you will be creating a design using lint free fabric. You will want to roll this fabric, over a wall with the first color you have chosen. A much simpler way is to bunch the fabric, and dab the second color over the already base colored wall.

Interesting patterns can be made by using paper towels to roll on the second color choice. It is fun to experiment, first to make sure of all the options you can use, play around a little first. Experiment with different rolling patterns, or different waves of colors.

When estimating the amount of paint you will need, remember that a rolled rag calls for half as much ad a base coat. You will want to select a base color and usually a second color should be about two shades darker. Go to the home improvement store and get some paint squares to help you choose this variation. Lowe's Hardware has a good selection, in my city.

You can use a third color if you desire. It should be about two shades darker than the second color you are using. You will want to shop around for these, sometimes you can get in on a sale or clearance of a particular type of paint. You will want to use Water based interior paint, it is easier to clean up after.

Use some latex gloves, because this is hands on work. Get a paint pan, or a tray. Use paper towels if you want to roll with them. Remember your cloth needs to be lint free, cheese cloth works well. Make sure to cover your floors, sometimes these sort of ventures can be messy and have quite a few errors. If you do use a paper towels, to roll, for painting, replace the roll when the paper towels start to shred, or tear.

Interesting designs, interesting textures, and interesting color schemes, all hand made by you. What more could one ask for?
HAPPY CRAFTING!