Sponge Painting
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Sponge Painting |
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 Next
time you go to paint a room why not try sponge painting? The variations are
unlimited depending on the color you select for your base coat, the number of
glaze colors used and how lightly or heavily you apply the glaze(s). And if you
mess up, it's easy to fix less-than-perfect spots. Just follow our no-fail steps
Sponge painting involves the application of glaze to an existing base coat of paint using a variegated surface – usually a sea sponge. The glaze and paint are usually mixed separately in a fixed ratio (often four parts glaze to one part paint) to create a mixture that will apply evenly. The sponge is then dipped into the glaze, blotted and pressed firmly into the wall in repeating patterns. Using this technique, it’s not unusual to have a bedroom wall done in about an hour. Even within sponge painting, a number of popular variations have been cultivated over the years. One of the most common is to use more than one glaze in succession, giving each time to dry before the next. In this way, you can add colors and striations to your wall for a far deeper look – something closer to granite than fabric. Add in metallic glazes for “mica” and a solid topcoat and you can create stunning effects with little more than a few days’ work. A second popular variation involves using something other than a sea sponge for different effects. Designers have employed everything from chiffon to steel wool in this regard, and the number of compelling options seems to be expanding each year. If you want a more uniform appearance, you can even use a cheap kitchen sponge from the local store! The point is to create texture that suits the room – finer compresses suit traditional décor, while more porous materials may be desired for an edgier look. (The kid in you may even want to add a UV layer for wholly unexpected constellations under the blacklight.) The painting of walls with foam is a simple application technique, which has a short drying time and resulting in a mottled finish that looks like a textured surface. Best results are obtained using natural sponges. Among the techniques of painting walls, the foam is one of the simplest and fast executions. It used to create the illusion that the surface is textured. It provides a pleasant mottled finish.This technique can be applied on various surfaces, plaster, wood, ceramic, stone, etc. It also supports its application in a variety of environments, such as hallways, lounges, large rooms. It used to cover imperfections such as uneven walls, holes, scratches, etc. For painting walls, a number of tricks can be used for best results: • Avoid excess paint, drain sponge before painting. The most common mistake when sponge painting is to let the glaze spread to your hands, elbows and other tools. The smudges that result are harder to repair than you may imagine, as it is difficult to remove a layer of glaze without also dissolving the base coat beneath. This is why most DIY home painters recommend wiping your gloves and arms repeatedly during the process, paying particular attention to any part of you being used for stability against the wall. That said, it may not be the end of the world if you smudge a section or add a streak – often the very same sponging techniques you used to apply that glaze can be employed to remove it as well. Go with a dry or moist sponge and work slowly and patiently to remove excess material until you are satisfied with the fix. With a little practice and a good sense of what you want, sponge painting can be an exhilarating improvement. Look for similar colors for a uniform appearance or mix and match for something innovative – it’s your choice. You should come away with rooms that invite comment and admiration, instead of just a passing glance. |
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