Sponging is one of the easiest techniques to accomplish. By applying one or more colors over a solid base coat with a natural sea sponge, you can create many different and unique looks.

WHICH PAINT DO I USE?

Acrylic Latex is the ideal choice for beginners. It is water based and clean up is easy. If you make a mistake it can easily be fixed with a wet cloth before your paint dries so that you can try again.

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:

paint
sea sponge
rubber gloves (thin, surgical type available in paint store)
mixing container
dish for each color
paper towels.


HERE'S HOW!

1. If you are using the existing color as your base coat you may go to step 2. Otherwise, begin by preparing the surface with a base coat, using an ordinary brush or roller. Allow enough time to dry thoroughly. Your base coat will be latex.

2. Rinse your sponge thoroughly to remove any dirt or loose pieces. Squeeze it out so that it is barely damp. Tear the sponge into a comfortable size and shape for you to hold in your hand. The rounded side will be used to dip into the paint. Also keep a small piece of the sponge (baby sponge) for getting into corners where your larger sponge won't fit.

3. Pour a small amount of the first paint color, diluted with water, into a dish or pan. Different containers should be used for each color. Dip your sponge into the paint so that your whole working surface is covered. Blot the excess paint onto paper towels so that you will not have blobs or runs in your work. Pick an inconspicuous spot to begin (ie. behind a door or dresser). Work in sections no larger than 3' x 3'. Lightly dab your sponge in a random pattern over the 3' section, leaving spaces in between your impressions. Then go back and fill in the spaces so that there are no distinct lines or markings between your sponge impressions. You should not be able to see individual impressions. Usually, your loaded sponge will cover this 3' section.

4. Step back periodically to view your work so that you can make any adjustments you want. Reload your sponge, blotting it on clean dry paper towel again, and begin your next section, making sure to blend it into the previous section. Rotate the sponge in your hand occasionally to create variety in your pattern. Be careful when making your impressions that you only "pounce" your sponge on the surface. If you "rub" it you will create smudge marks.

5. Get as close to the corners as you safely can without smudging the adjacent area. Then switch to your small "baby" sponge and carefully fill in the areas in the corner. If you wish you could run a strip of low tack' KleenEdge tape down the edge of your adjacent wall and along your ceiling to prevent smudges as you work. The tape is reusable and may be used on your painted wall once it has dried and you have moved to your next wall.

6. Let the entire sponged surface dry completely. If desired, apply a second color and even a third color, following the same procedure.

HINT: The color you apply last will be the most dominant. Start with the color you want to see least as your base and end with the color you want to see most. ALWAYS EXPERIMENT ON A SAMPLE BOARD FIRST TO ENSURE THE FINAL LOOK YOU WANT.

SPONGING DIFFERENT SURFACES

Latex paint is ideal for sponging walls. In kitchens and bathrooms, where condensation and washability is a concern, I recommend Kitchen & Bath paint.

For small items, such as woodwork, furniture, pots, etc. you may use either latex or Premium Alkyd.

COLOR ADVICE! A pastel color over an off-white background will produce a fresh, cheery effect; a dark color over a light background will give a bold, dramatic look. Variations of the same color will give the surface a feeling of depth.

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