Types of Paint Glazes to Use for Faux Finishes

Paint glaze can be used to create a wide variety of wonderful faux finishes. Because glazes are transparent and mixed with paint, when they are applied over a base coat, they can add dimension and richness to a paint job.

Keep in mind that the mixed glaze will actually modify the color beneath it; a blue basecoat and red glaze will create a luminous purple, while combining the same blue base with a yellow glaze will yield rich green tones. You can use this to your advantage to achieve different effects.

Types of Paint Glazes

Paint glazes can be divided into a few main categories:

Pre-Tinted Glazes

Many glazes are available pre-tinted in a variety of basic colors. These are ready to use as is. This has several advantages such as; no need to purchase separate paint and glaze, consistency between batches and variety of different bases for different effects; metalic glazes are alao available pre-mixed.

Latex Washes

Latex washes are nothing more than thinned-down latex paint. The ratio of water to paint can be as low as 1:9 or as high as 9:1, depending on how much coverage you want. The more water you add to the mixture, the more sheer the color will be.

Because you are just thinning down regular paint, washes are cheap. They contain few VOCs and are easy to clean up.

However, latex washes do have some drawbacks.

They dry quickly. This makes it hard to manipulate the color.
Washes are less durable than acrylic or oil glazes.
Washes create a misty or foggy effect. This limits latex washes to techniques like splattering, ragging on, and sponging where that effect won't detract from the attractiveness of the finish.

Acrylic Paint Glaze

Acrylic glazes consist of a clear base, to which you add latex paint. In general, using satin paint to tint the glaze works best.

Like washes, acrylic glazes contain few VOCs and are easy to clean up. They also tend to be more transparent than washes, creating luminous, instead of muddy, effects.

One drawback to acrylic glazes is their tendency to leave well-defined edges. You can minimize this by using a dry brush to gently blend away the harsh line.

Oil Paint Glaze

Oil glazes, also called alkyd glazes are the most durable of all. They take much longer to dry than latex washes or acrylic glazes. This means that the artist has plenty of time to manipulate the glaze for the perfect effect.

Faux finishes that depend on negative techniques, such as sponging off or combing, and elaborate treatments, such as marbling, are best accomplished with oil glaze.

The disadvantages of alkyd glazes include odor, high VOC content, and more difficult cleanup.

It's important to use the same type of paint for both the base coat and the top layer. That is, if you're using a latex paint, you should use a latex wash or acrylic glaze. If your base coat is alkyd, use the oil glaze.

Mixing the Paint Glaze

Latex Wash

One part latex paint
Two parts water

Make sure to mix well. Adding more water will result in sheerer color, but keep in mind that it will decrease adhesion and durability.

Acrylic Paint Glaze

Six parts glaze
One part satin finish acrylic paint

This formula strikes a good balance between color density and workability. It is relatively sheer, allowing you to build up color in layers, and takes a while to dry, so you have time to manipulate the finish.

Note: Adding more pigment will produce a darker, more opaque glaze. Adding additional glaze will extend drying time and increase transparency. Adding water will extend the drying time and reduce opacity.

Oil Glaze

One part satin finish oil paint
One part oil glaze
One part paint thinner

Always use this formula in a well ventilated room and take a break if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. To extend the drying time and workability, add more paint thinner.