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Ragging
Positive Technique
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Tools & Materials:
Positive ragging allows you to rag on more than one color and is not wet edge sensitive allowing you to stop and start at leisure. This is the better choice of ragging methods for high walls (see picture below). Negative ragging has a formal look to it , it is great for dinning rooms and grand entrances.
The Differences: Negative ragging has a very soft look, with nice transparency. I almost always use only one color with one step for negitve ragging.
Positve ragging is great for using multiple colors because 1) it is usually done with fast drying latex paint / glaze and 2) the glaze is applied rather than blotted off which allows you to put on all colors in one step.
Base Coat
Click here to see Universal Surface Preparation Rules:
Base Coat
With positive ragging the base coat is part of the overall finish because peaks of it show through after the final ragging. Therefore, choose a color that works with your ragging color. The base coat should be a satin sheen latex.
Glaze and Paint
Latex glaze works very well with ragging on, In fact, that is all I use for ragging on.
Sherwin Williams Illusions latex glaze, or Modern Masters Extender with latex paint are my preferred mixes currently. Approximate mixing proportions are: 1 part tinted latex with 4 parts latex glaze.
You can do a "shimmer" finish with the positive rag technique. Use a flat base coat and a satin or semi gloss paint with your glaze.
Technique
Ragging on is really a lot like sponging (on) but with a rag. The rag will give a more subtle and variable pattern. Unlike negative ragging, in which you apply the glaze with a roller and rag it off, you will actually apply the glaze to the wall with the rag with this technique.
I work it the usual 4' x 4' sections just as I do with negative ragging, but this is not critical with positive ragging as you can stop, start and patch in as you'd like without any lap mark concerns.
Fill up your bucket or paint tray with your paint / glaze mix and dip your sponge into it. Wring the sponge out and then dab it onto the roller grid (either hang one from your bucket or the grid that is part of the roller pan - for roller pan users). Gently pat the rag onto the surface, changing the wadding of the rag with each couple of pats. Start your patting softly and add more pressure as the rag dries out. Re-dip once the paint is fully spent and repeat.
Continue on down to the end of the wall and using the alternate wall sequencing method for your ragging. Unlike negative ragging, you can tape off the adjacent walls and do the whole room in one day without the need to shield.
Ragging "on" is ideal for high walls - allowing you time to go up and down the ladder without the worry of lap marks
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Ragging on demonstrated
Taping off, base coating and ragging on.
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