Paint Technique: Washing

clear water-based glaze
paint
water
old sock

Steps:

1. Select desired paint color deeper than what you actually want as the glaze will reduce the color's intensity. Mix equal parts of paint, glaze and water.
2. Apply the mixture in large circles in small areas with a sock (be sure to keep stirring the glaze as you work). It's a good idea to do a sample board before going to the wall to make sure you have the paint color desired. This technique can be done over a flat or satin base coat, but the paint tends to slide instead of adhere over semi-gloss.
3. Every once in while lift the rag and pounce the wall to create more dimension on the surface and to make it seem as though more than one color is used. Step back to check progress and add more paint if needed, blending in all the areas as you work.