After you have applied a coat of a low-sheen or semi-gloss paint to the surface and it has dried, apply a thin coat of glaze (your second color) to the surface with a short-nap paint roller. Work as if you are repainting the surface; it will appear semi-transparent. While the glaze is wet, apply the Decorative Roller you have chosen. All the tools will work in a negative application.

If faux finishing an area will require more than 15 to 20 minutes, you will need a helper: one person to apply the glaze while the second person applies the Decorative Roller. The person applying glaze should not work too far ahead of the person using the Decorative Roller.

Positive Method (adding glaze to the surface):

The positive method involves the application of glaze to the surface with a decorative roller.

Apply a thin coat of glaze to the Decorative Roller and then apply the roller to the surface. A good way to apply a thin coat of glaze to the Decorative Roller is to pour a coat of glaze into an empty tray and then roll the Decorative Roller into the tray. Dipping the Decorative Roller directly into the glaze will put too much glaze onto the roller.

Some tools work better for negative application than for positive, e.g., the plastic applicators such as the Tight Bag Rollers, Honey Comb Rollers, Honey Comb Hand Pad, or Porcupine Hand Pad because there is no fabric to pick up glaze to apply to the surface. However, if you wish to apply a third color sparingly, these particular rollers can be used.

The positive method offers several advantages:

1. Since you are adding the glaze to the surface, time is not as critical so you do not need a helper.

2. You can add a third color sparingly.

3. Adding glaze to the surface is a good technique to use if you will be working on a rough surface such as stucco or a knock-down finish.

In either the Negative or Positive Applications, you will want to keep the Decorative Applicator clean by wiping it with a damp rag or a lightly wet sponge. If you do not keep the applicator clean, it will eventually acquire a buildup of glaze which will make it very sticky.

We believe these negative and positive applications will be helpful as you plan and create your own unique decorative finishes. As always, we recommend that you carefully read and follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer(s) of the products you select.

Copyright © 1999 & 2006 LAF/C.R.S., Inc. & Worktools International, Inc. All rights reserved.
The previous article, in whole or in part, appeared in Unlimited Creations
How-To-Booklet for Use of Decorative Rollers by Whizz Roller System.

Looking for home improvement Q&As? Click here!

[ Back to Top ]

C.R.S., Inc. · Spokane, Washington · USA