What is Wall Glazing?

What is wall glazing? Well simply put, wall glaze is a material hat is used to create a translucent, transparent, or even iridescent film or layer over your wall. These materials can come in a wide variety of different colors, and can be used in different ways to achieve different looks. For the most part, wall glazing is applied only after you have already painted the walls your base color, and are used to create a unique look.

• Types of glazing. Typically there are two types of wall glaze, water or acrylic based. Because there are two different types of glazing, they will often dry at different rates of speed. In addition, depending on the size of the project, where you may want to have the same general look applied over a larger area, you will want to use something called an extender. Extenders will allow you to incorporate patterns into your designs, slow down the drying time, and allow you to do the work a lot easier.
• Preparation methods. Before you can actually use wall glazing you will need to prepare the wall. This usually isn't all that difficult, though it will require a little bit of work on your part. Typically all you will need to do is lightly sand out any rough spots on the paint on the walls, and clean the runners and walls from any dirt that may be on it. Wipe off any dust, dirt, or other grime that may be on the wall using tack cloth. Be very careful when you are doing this since glazing can highlight any imperfections, as well as sealing in any dirt that may be on the walls.
• Tools for application. Wall glazing isn't all that difficult to apply, and in fact can often be applied in the same manner that paint can be applied. This means that you can put it onto your walls using things like paint brushes and rollers. If you are looking to apply the glazing in a pattern, then use patterned rollers, or even bunched up cheesecloth, terrycloth, or some other kind of clean rags.
• Types of paint to be used. For the best possible effect, you should limit using the glazing on only certain kinds of paint. Typically, this means that you need to avoid using glazing on any flat-finished paints. Water and latex based paints are fine, as long as they have an eggshell type finish since it will allow the glazing to stick better.