Free Online Credit Evaluations!


Faux Painting Techniques - The Internet's best 
destination for faux painting information and resources.

 

 
       

Site Navigation:

Main Pages:

Home

Contact Us

About Us 


Specific Finishes:

Stone:

Venetian Plastering

Liming

Marbling

Marbling Panels

Painted Effects:

Ragging & Stippling

Dragging

Sponging

Color Washing

Spattering

Tortoiseshelling

Woodgraining

Ageing & Distressing

Verdigris

Terracotta

Metals:

Lead

Rust

Pewter

Gilding

Stenciling:

Making Stencils

Methods

Finishing

 

 

General Information:

Introduction to Faux

Materials and Tools

Paints and Glazes

Painting Tips

Faux Classes

Clean Up

 

Surfaces:

Faux Painting Furniture

Surface Preparation

 

Website Features:

Faux Resources

Privacy Statement

Site Disclaimer

 

Other useful sites:

diet pills

government grants

data recovery software

buy phentermine

payday loans

prescription drugs online

order contact lenses

contact lenses online

Phentermine

US Government grants

weight loss medications

contact lens solutions

 

 

Sponging

Want to Learn some great Faux Painting Techniques?

Our Learning Faux downloadable e-book (fully printable), has been written with one primary goal in mind. To introduce the novice faux painter to the most popular faux painting finishes. 

Learn more...

 



Sponging is undoubtedly the quickest, easiest and most versatile of all the faux painting techniques. Sponging can be applied to almost any surface, even particle board, and mistakes can be easily rectified.

First off, you will need a sponge that is large enough to sit comfortably in your hand. It is recommend you use a natural sponge for this technique, although you can modify a decorating sponge by tearing pieces from it so that it makes suitable marks. Natural, sea sponges are inexpensive and easily available. They are highly recommended.

If you are sponging walls, use a latex based paint and thin it slightly with water. If you are working on wood, use a slightly thinned, oil based eggshell that will be more durable. This technique can also be used on smaller objects, such as furniture and pottery.

Once your surface has been prepared, begin by pouring some of your paint into a paint tray and dab your dampened sponge into the paint, dabbing off any excess paint prior to application.

Sponging:

Dab the sponge on to the wall, working with constant pressure but varying the angle to avoid making clear patterns. Work as close to the corners as possible.

Leave the first color to dry. Ensure that the sponge is clean, then apply the second color or another shade of the same color.


Once the second color has dried, you could add another color, or a lighter shade of the original. Remember that the final color will be the dominant color.

This interesting sponged effect was built up in layers using four different colors taken from the colors present in the shower curtain.

To summarize:  

This technique is very easy to master and lends itself to a variety of decors. For a softer effect, use crumpled paper as well as the sea sponge. To apply paint in corners where the sponge will not reach, use an artist's brush to apply dots simulating the sponge pattern. After dipping the sponge into the paint, always off load your sponge onto a paper plate or towel to remove excess paint. You don't want pronounced paint blobs on the wall. You should be able to make between five and 10 prints with each load of paint. Keep in mind that the harder you press, the darker the print and the lighter you press, the more delicate the print. You shouldn't be able to count the number of times the sponge hit the surface, nor see heavy prints from using too much paint.

You can even work in six colors on one wall. The main idea is to have fun and enjoy creating a sense of drama! 

 

Related Articles:

Surface Preparation

Paints and glazes

Materials and tools

 

 
 

Copyright 2003 Faux Painting Techniques.com All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. Images remain property of their respective owners.