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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.
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:
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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.
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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!
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