Sponging is probably one of the most well known faux techniques. Many are probably familiar with using a sponge to apply paint to the wall, but it may also be used in the reverse technique of removing paint. Create a neat look with one color or multiple colors.
The pictures attached show a wall base painted with semi-gloss paint. The paint used for the sponging was the same color, but a flat paint. This technique can be used to create a foiled look too. It is amazing how different the paints look, being different sheens, but the same color.
This is another technique where you will dilute the paint being used for sponging. You may be able to get away with only using a quart. Just remember if your paint begins to thicken, add more water. This will keep the paint from looking
like a blob on the wall.
Add a little water and stir the paint until thoroughly mixed. Keep adding water and stirring a little at a time. It is always easy to add more water than to correct it if you add too much. Your goal is to have an inky consistency.
Place a little paint on a plate when you are ready to begin. Wet your sponge and make sure you squeeze out the excess water. Place the surface of the sponge on top of the paint. Just get the paint on the surface, do not drench the sponge. You may want to tap the sponge on wadded up paper towels to make sure you remove the excess paint before place on the wall. Remember to change the position on the sponge often so that you will create a random look.
When you place the sponge on the wall, make sure you do not cover the paint underneath entirely. Start from the top and work your way down. Do not paint in a straight line down the wall. Move the sponge in small section. If you want to add another color, just repeat this step. If you feel the need to bring more of the first color out, sponge with that color again. It is important that you continue around the room and finish each color out before moving on to the next. This will keep all of the walls looking similar. If you try to finish one wall at a time when using multiple colors, it is very unlikely they will look the same. Also, if someone else is helping you sponge, make sure they do all of one color as you are doing all of another.
If you would like to do the reverse painting technique and use the sponge to remove the paint, paint the second color over the base color in small sections. It is important to work in small sections and in random areas as you move from the top of the wall to the floor. Once you have painted the second color in the small section, immediately place the sponge in the painted area and pull away from the wall. Repeat this, moving the sponge in different directions to avoid a creating a definite pattern. Once you have done this to the entire painted section, paint another section and repeat this process.
Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, there are many ways to do the sponging. There really is not a right and wrong way to do this. I would recommend practicing on small practice boards before moving to the wall. Remember, if you do not like the finished product, all you have to do is paint over it and start again. It really is just that easy!
Amy
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