Preparation

• Preparing the wall surface properly ensures the best base for your rag-rolling pattern. Use a quality masking tape to cover any surface you do not want to paint, such as trim, lighting hardware and carpeting. Remove all light switches and electrical outlet covers to prevent getting paint on them. New drywall and brightly colored walls need to be covered with primer to get the best final paint color. Apply at least one coat of indoor latex paint, though two coats will provide optimal paint coverage.
  
  

Materials

• The faux rag-rolling technique allows you the option of using a specially designed rag or simply wadding up an old T-shirt or cloth. A commercial rag roller gives you a more uniform pattern, because it is a stationary shape, where a homemade rag often changes as you use it. The roller is ideal for large areas, because it can cover with much more efficiency and less physical work. A faux glaze, available at most major paint retailers and home-improvement stores, has the right consistency for the rag-rolling process.
  
  

Painting

• Grip the rolled rag, and dip the surface into a tray of paint. You then press it onto the surface lightly, allowing just the raised portions to touch. Adjusting the pressure to the surface allows for a lighter or denser pattern. A rag roller works like a conventional paint roller except you apply less pressure onto the wall. Roll it vertically in lines to cover the area, and use a rag to make the patterns along corners and hard-to-reach areas.
  
  

Test

• If you are new to the faux rag technique, practice on another surface until you’re confident with your rolling motion. Cardboard and poster board make an ideal practice canvas. Test out different material to get the desired look and consistency. You should also test out the colors you plan to use as your base coat and glaze to make sure they fit well and the colors do not blend.