How to Paint & Wash Latex Glaze

Apply painter’s tape over the adjacent surfaces that connect to the wall you will paint, including baseboards, ceilings, walls, windows and doorways. Press the painter’s tape on firmly to prevent paint seepage beneath the paint.

Place the drop cloth over the floor to minimize messes.

Load the angled trim brush with primer and cut in around the perimeter of the wall. Pour primer into the paint tray and load the paint roller. Apply the primer onto the wall in a thin and even layer. Allow the primer to dry for the time recommended on the product label.

Load the angled trim brush with the acrylic paint you will use for the base color. Cut in the perimeter of the wall carefully. Pour the paint into the paint tray and paint the wall with the paint roller using the same technique you used for the primer. Allow the paint to dry completely and then apply a second coat of base paint using the same technique. Allow the second coat to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

Mix two separate glaze washes to apply over the base color. In one of the paint trays, mix one part of one of the darker wash paints with four parts of acrylic glaze. Stir the two mediums well. Repeat the same process in the other paint tray with the other darker wash paint and more acrylic glaze.

Load the paint roller with one of the tinted glazes (use the color of your choice). Apply the tinted glaze over the base layer in a thin and random layer. Alternate the direction in which you move the roller as you apply the glaze to give it dimension. Continue applying the glaze until you cover the wall completely.

Work quickly while the glaze on the wall remains wet. Load a 4-inch paintbrush with the other tinted glaze and blot off some of the excess glaze from the bristles. Apply the second tinted glaze onto the first glaze in short strokes, varying the direction of the strokes and keeping the layer thin. Blend the two colors evenly with the brush, continuing to add as much of the second glaze color as you desire.

Moisten the clean rag immediately with water and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Hold the wadded rag in your hand and apply the moist rag to the wall lightly, moving the rag in circular motions. Remove as much or as little glaze as you desire with the rag, rinsing the it as necessary. Work quickly to complete the washing process within about 15 minutes of applying the glaze.