Rag-Rolling Paint Technique

Create a dramatic look on your walls with little effort.

Whether you're living with a color you just want to jazz up a bit or you want to start from scratch, rag rolling is one of the easiest and fastest ways to bring drama to a room. You can add more than one top coat color, but the most sophisticated results come from layering a single color over the base coat.

Materials and Tools:

lint-free towels
roller
satin latex paints
plastic tray
paper towels

Steps:

  1. If applying a new base coat, roll on the base coat color and let dry.

  2. Pour the top coat color into a plastic tray. Dampen the rag and wring it out well. Bunch the rag into random folds and creases (the fewer flat areas, the better the look). Dip the rag into the paint and dab excess onto a paper towel.

  3. Start at the center point of the wall and press the rag on the wall gently, working in about a 2-foot area. The first blots will be heavier, so space them out a bit. As the rag loses paint, fill in the areas between the heavier spots to create blending by rotating your wrist to vary the ragging pattern. Re-bunch the rag once in a while to create different textures and shapes.

  4. Step back to check your work, and fill in where needed.

  5. Rinse the rag out every so often so it doesn't get too saturated and start to blob the paint.

Next Up

How to German Smear a Brick Fireplace

Give your fireplace a faux finish that mimics what you'd find in old European cottages with a German smear mortar wash.

How to Paint With Wall Stencils

For an inexpensive alternative to wallpaper — and a creative wall-treatment that adds visual interest and a touch of whimsy — check out this simple how-to for applying a paint pattern using wall stencils.

How to Match Paint Colors

Whether you're trying to find paint to match an existing wall color or pull your inspiration color from an upholstered sofa, family heirloom or your favorite flower, here's how you can get that perfect color match in a can of paint.

How to Limewash Walls

Learn how to create elegantly textured walls using a limewash paint technique for a look that's suited for many interior design styles.

How to Stain a Wooden Deck

Enhance and protect your outdoor design by learning how to stain a deck with these simple steps using deck stain.

How to Paint a Faux Marble Tabletop

Real stone surfaces out of your price range? Get the look of Carrara marble (for way less) with our easy DIY.

What's the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer?

These terms for a finish or top coat are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference. Learn when and where to use the correct one.

Top 10 Ways to Paint Like a Pro

For a professional-looking paint job, do what the experts do.

How to Whitewash Wood: Whitewashing and Pickling Techniques

Easily brighten and add rustic charm to furniture and a variety of wood surfaces with these budget-friendly whitewashing and pickling techniques.

How to Paint a Tile Backsplash

Give your kitchen a facelift this weekend with a little elbow grease, some 220-grit sand paper and a lot of epoxy paint. Find out how to paint a tile backsplash with this step-by-step guide and shop everything you need to get started from our comprehensive materials list.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.