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Painting, Decorative & Faux Wall Techniques:

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Sponge Painting

Source: True Value Paint

Experiment Before You Start

There are so many variables that can determine the final look of a sponge painting project, so you should experiment until you get the look you want. Test on a board before you begin.

Integrate colors from furnishings.
Use different shades of the same color or different colors.
- The base coat can be dark with light tones on top, light covered by darker tones, or a medium tone covered by both dark and light.
- As for the colors themselves, the more different there are, the more dramatic the look.
Apply light over dark OR dark over light.
Make the colors more or less transparent by varying the amount of water added (or thinner if you are using oil paints).

Step 1: Paint Surface with Base Coat

After properly cleaning and preparing the surface, mask or otherwise protect surfaces that you don't want painted, just as you would with a traditional painting project. Apply a base coat of True Value E-Z Kare eggshell finish paint in a color of your choice. Allow the area to dry completely.

Step 2: Mix Glaze Coat

Start with 1 part True Value E-Z Kare eggshell paint to 4 parts True Value Simply Glaze. Add glaze until the mixture is a little on the runny side, but not too thin. The right consistency is important since the base coat should show through the glaze for the final effect. You can double or triple this amount, but it is easier to work with a small amount since it creates less waste.

Step 3: Sponging Techniques

Fill paint tray with a small amount of paint/glaze mixture. Dampen the sponge in water and wring it out. Dab the sponge into the mixture and then onto a piece of newspaper until the paint is evenly distributed on the sponge.

DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES:
Sponge On:
This is the easiest technique for beginners. You simply add one color on top of another, leaving some of the previous color to show through. This is sometimes called the “additive”approach.

Sponge Off:
Apply a color over an eggshell finish base with a paint roller, and then remove some of it with a sponge to expose the base color underneath. This is called the "subtractive" approach.

Tip: Use a Light Touch

To vary the pattern, change the amount of pressure you apply or the position of the sponge in your hand. Twist your wrist often and switch hands occasionally. Use different shades of the same color or contrasting colors. The more diverse the colors, the more dramatic the look. Apply light colors over dark colors, or dark colors over light colors.

Step 4: Protect the Surface

If the painted surface is subject to wear or is likely to require frequent cleaning (like kitchen surfaces), protect the surface with a coat of clear polyurethane varnish.

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