If I Dry Brush a Wall First With Oil-Based Paint, Can I Glaze Over It?

Oil Basecoats

• Oil glaze works well on latex base coats, but walls painted with oil require an oil glaze. A water-based glaze won't mix well and achieve most desired effects. You may find oil base coats on wood surfaces because it creates a waterproof coating. Oil base coats take significantly longer to dry than water based ones. If the wall isn't completely dry before you begin glazing, the bottom layer typically bleeds through. Eggshell finish works best for oil glazing.

Dry-Brushed Surfaces

• Typically, a dry brushed technique is used over a base coat. However, the method is occasionally used on unpainted surfaces to achieve a dramatic contrast between the bare wood or surface and the saturated paint. Most often, it creates a very rustic look. The dry-brushed base may have a visible pattern, like herringbone, for instance, or it may just have a simple back and forth application. The glaze color, strength and technique you choose to cover the dry-brushed wall with determines the ultimate effect.

Dry Brushing the Glaze

• To intensify the dry brushed look already used on the basecoat, or for a combed or dragged look, "wipe" the top glaze on with a stiff paintbrush or piece of wallpaper. The texture intensifies the texture created by the dry brushed basecoat. It also creates a subtle variation in color if you choose similar hues, or dramatic contrast if you choose contrasting colors. Follow the dry brushed pattern on the base coat, or go against it to add complexity.

Other Techniques

• Oil glaze works well for a variety of painting effects. Create an antiqued look by applying a toner glaze over the oil base coat, then wiping it for a streaked effect. Tools like steel wool, towels and carpet scraps create a wood grain texture. Cissing involves mottling paint by sprinkling, misting or spraying mineral spirits over the base and glaze coats. A final clear coat adds shine and brightens the faded hues. For a naturally aged look, apply a thin glaze layer, several shades darker than the desired color, using a clean towel. Allow the glaze to dry partially before rubbing the surface, which lightens the color.