What is Glazing?

This term refers to the process of applying and partially removing a translucent medium over a solid base coat of paint. All various methods of glazing seek to alter the appearance of traditional paint. In the end, the process of glazing can transform the hue or tone of a base coat of paint. It can also make the paint appear more translucent or transparent.

Glazing can involve a wide variety of paint colors, texturing tools and application techniques to produce unlimited patterns and effects on walls, cabinets, and furniture. Glazing works best on wet surfaces. To prevent the glaze from drying and becoming unworkable, work in small sections. Because drying time for acrylic and water-based glazes vary (usually between 10 and 20 minutes), add a paint extender to the mixture to increase the dry time of a given glaze. Even when using lighter paint colors, a 4-to-1 mixture is the recommended ratio of paint and glaze.