Glaze (painting technique)

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For other uses, see Glaze.

A glaze in painting is a transparent medium. Whatever is on the surface beneath the glaze shows through applied medium. A glaze changes the color cast or texture (gloss or matte, for instance) of the surface. For many centuries painters have applied glazes to their works.

When the technique is used for wall glazing, the entire surface is covered, often showing traces of texture (French brush, parchment, striae, rag rolling). Either oil-based or water-based materials are used for glazing walls, depending upon the desired effect. Kerosene or linseed oil may be used to extend the "open" or working time of oil-based glazes. Water-based glazes are sometimes thinned with glycerin or another wetting agent to extend the working time. In general, water glazes are best suited to rougher textures where overlaps of color are acceptable.

Glaze is also used in cabinet, furniture, and faux finishing.

Scumble is a technique similar to glazing, except that coating is opaque.