Glazing Walls

Glazing is an interior painting technique which can create a stunning effect, providing texture and depth to the painted wall. Glazing is also a much simpler painting technique than many others, making it the perfect technique for beginners.

When glazing walls, the glaze color must be chosen along with the base coat of paint. Some people prefer to use two shades of the same color, while others like to use contrasting colors. Either way, it is a good idea to try a test area of a wall or use a piece of wood or cardboard to see the effect of the colors before applying the technique.

A number of supplies must be assembled before glazing walls. Paint is needed, along with latex glazing liquid, a universal tinting color, and satin-finish latex paint. Waxed palette paper is useful, and buckets, a paintbrush and a stirring stick are necessary. Chose the colors of paint carefully, taking the decor of the room into account.

The first step in glazing walls is to apply the base coat of paint. The existing paint can be used, or a new color may be applied. Make sure that peeling paint is removed, and that the walls have been cleaned and primed. A satin finish base coat is generally the best for glazing walls.

Mix the glazing liquid and the tinting color with a wooden stick until you are satisfied with the result. Adding some of the latex paint provides a more opaque effect. The glaze can be tested on the palette paper to check the consistency and color. Glaze should be thin but never runny. Painting glaze on the palette paper and tilting it shows you if the consistency is correct: the paint should never slide down the paper.

To begin glazing walls, brush the glaze onto the wall and let it sit for one to two minutes. Then wipe it off with a soft, damp cloth. Different types of cloth can be used: experiment with various textures to see which effect you prefer. The entire wall should be glazed at one time to make sure that the glaze color and/or technique do not change, which can lead to "seams" in the finish. If the wall is large, add a retardant to the glaze, to slow down drying time.

As with many other broken color technique, glazing walls might be easiest when performed by two people — one painting the glaze onto the wall, and the other wiping it off with a wet cloth. Make sure you do not switch jobs half way through, or the effect may change with the slightly different style of glazing.