Multipurpose glaze

Scumble glaze is a transparent liquid that is added to paint to extend its drying time so you can work with it to create different paint techniques. Typical techniques for which scumble glaze is useful include colour-washing, dragging and distressing. For the latter, for example, it is mixed with dark brown paint to achieve a glaze that’s ideal for creating an antique look on cupboards. Scumble glaze can be used with paint on any surface, even tabletops.

It’s available in the paint department at most hardware stores or specialist paint stores and is either oil-based or waterbased for use with oil- or water-based paint respectively.