Thisdecorative painting techniquecreates a beautiful array of ombre color effectsone color blending into another.
Varying the colors, dabbing technique, and sponges, gives you creative freedom.
Most sponge-painting projects use two colors but experiment with multiple colors applied over one another.
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Preparation
Sponge paintingmasks minor irregularities and flawson a wall but it will not hide major damage.
Fix any damaged wall sections before sponge painting.
Practice sponging on scrap cardboard or drywall before painting the walls.
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Apply a second base coat after the first coat dries for complete coverage.
Mix Topcoat Color and Faux Glaze
Allow the base coat to dry.
The more glaze you add, the more transparent the topcoat will be.
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Less glaze results in a darker, denser topcoat.
Tip
Select a base coat and glaze color that are close in intensity and tone.
Too much contrast looks splotchy and spotted.
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Prep Your Sponge With Paint
Dampen the natural sea sponge with water.
Dip it into the bucket filled with glaze.
Blot or wipe the excess off the sponge.
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Sponge Paint the Wall
Press the sponge lightly into the corners of the wall and work outward.
Another technique involves rolling the sponge over the surface to achieve a random appearance.
Retouch Areas for Consistency
Inspect the overall surface from a distance.
The base color should consistently show through the glaze without a splotchy or heavy-handed look.
Layer a second, third, or fourth color to create a sense of dimension.
Often, this is done in a monochromatic scheme, with an accent color added last.
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Alkyd paints provide the durability and hard, semi-gloss finish of oil-based paints without VOCs and other environmental concerns.
They were developed to replace problematic oil-based paints and are used to paint interior trim and cabinets.
Alkyd paint does not include oil but uses solvents, thinners, and binders to achieve its finish.
Alkyd paints dry slower than latex paints, and are often recommended for sponge painting projects.
The sponging technique works best when mixing colors on wet edges.
Sponge painting can be a great alternative to wallpaper.
Soak the sponge in water but squeeze it out before dipping it into the paint.
A damp sponge helps the paint stay wet while working.
Glazing is not required as a finish for sponge painting but can add a subtle sheen to the surface.
