Rating 3.5 - difficult
Category: Step-by-step: Glazing
General glaze methods -
Oil / Alkyd
for wall surfaces, furniture, objects, painting techniques
For color suggestions refer to the artSparx color
Glaze refers to a substance that is thinned to
create a transparent or translucent film of color. Diluting any
paint substance, tinted varnish or tinted water essentially can
produce a glaze.
Oil-based glazes should be applied over an oil-based
undercoat of the color of your choice. Eggshell sheen is preferable, but never
use a flat (matte) finish.
For more information on sheens
|Glazing pros and
||Water - easy
A variety of
decorative effects can be created using oil-based glazes. For wall surfaces the
glaze essentially stays the same in composition. Only the color and fluidity of
the glaze varies.
On large wall surfaces it is generally necessary for at
least two people to efficiently apply and work the glaze. Though oil glaze is
slower to dry and hence has an extended working time, it will still set up
rather quickly. A first-time
glazer may find darker areas appearing as irregular lines, known as ‘burn’
marks. These occur because the glaze must be methodically applied in segments,
always moving from top to bottom, then across the wall in a regular fashion
Glazing application diagram for wall surfaces
Apply glaze in irregular sections.
This insures a random overall appearance and helps diminish potential 'burn'
lines (glaze build up from section to section).
Striee glazing and dragging
the wall application methods vary. Refer to the wall diagrams in the appropriate
When a new segment is started, the area previously treated has
already begun to set. With the application of glaze on the new segment, a
buildup of color may appear and create a ‘floating line’ where old meets
new. This is unattractive and may
interfere with the overall look of the textured or faux glaze appearance.
However, it is an effect that is overcome with experience and can
usually be avoided if an area can be used for “practice” before a big
project is begun.
Always start the glaze application in the least
visible area of the room. As you continue glazing, a rhythm is achieved and the
overall appearance of the glaze treatment improves.
Using two glazers, saturate rag with mineral spirits and work over surface to allow
glaze to flow freely. Wear respirators, gloves and protective clothing. Once
the surface is damp the first artist should begin by applying the glaze
with a brush over an area only large enough to create the desired finish.
Keep the exposed areas ‘wet’ by leaving a buildup of glaze. The
second glazer should begin the desired finish (color-wash, rag-roll, striee,
etc.) while the first artist continues
the glaze application on the next segment. Working in tandem, they should
continue until the wall area is completed, without resting. Clean up any excess
glaze that may appear on adjoining (and yet untreated) walls with a rag
moistened with mineral spirits.
keep wall wet
glaze onto section 2
large areas may require 2 people.
One softens while the other continues glaze application.
working evenly over wall.
step back occasionally to view overall appearance
Apply glaze to within ˝ inch of wall edge and work to edge with a dry brush.
This should prevent you from getting any fresh glaze on a previously treated
Important Tip - How to fix drips and spills
If wet glaze gets onto an area that has already been finished and has begun to
set, it may dissolve the previous finish. Simply blot area with a dry rag to
remove excess. Any attempt to repair area before completely dry may result in a
mess that is virtually irreparable. Small areas are manageable. Large areas may
require the complete area to be removed then re-treated
repair - Once completely dry (24 hrs.) fresh glaze may be touched in
with an artist’s brush until desired results are achieved.
repair - Treat before drying is complete.
If a large area of glaze is affected and begins to burn away, or
dissolve, the removal of the entire glazed surface may be required. To do this,
dampen a rag with mineral spirits and wipe surface until clean, using multiple
rags if necessary.
Alternatively; you may allow wall to completely dry (24 hrs.) then
repaint base coat and begin again.
- Always dispose of rags and waste spirits appropriately. To find a
waste disposal facility in your neighborhood click here…
Clean up -
Clean up oil-based products with mineral spirits.
For specific effects, including color washing, rag-
rolling, stippling and striee (dragging) refer to the artSparx
Scumble glaze - Glaze
medium comparable to Glazing liquid, found readily at your local paint supply