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Sponging is a relatively easy way to give a room a decorative textural feel. The only materials you need are a couple of sponges, some paint roller trays, and the paint itself. It’s not hard to master the technique, and its actually quite fun allowing you to get creative with different patterns and placements. It’s also really easy to maintain. If the surface ever gets damaged in some way, a little dab of the same colored paint can completely hide the flaw.
Before you begin you should prepare the wall, making sure that it is clean, and free of dents, scratches, or nails. You may also need to prime the surface. Then tape off doors, windows, and line creases such as baseboard and ceiling edges. You should also make sure to cover any furniture in the room with a drop cloth.
Most sponge effects feature two to three colors. Usually there is a subdued backdrop, and then one or two sponged color choices. The interplay between these colors will determine the nature of the space that is created. Choose disparate contrasting tones for a wild, energetic look, or matched complimentary hues to create a balanced and subdued effect. Another option is to use different shades of the same color, to create a look that is soft and subtle. If you’re your feeling creative, more colors can be added on top of this to make even more complex displays.
The background color needs to be applied first. Using a regular brush spread it evenly across the walls. Then wait for it to dry completely before moving on to the actual sponge effects. Make sure that the paint goes on in a smooth coat that is free of embarrassing drips marks.
Generally an organic sponge will give you the best effect for sponging techniques due to the radical nature of its shape. However if you have to use a manufactured sponge rip it into two or three pieces to create a ragged edge which will allow you to create attractive random effects.
When you’re ready to start, pour the first color into a paint roller tray. Then dip the sponge very lightly into the paint, patting it off on some newspaper in order to remove any excess. The idea is to only get a small amount of color on the tips of the sponge’s erratic edges. Then take the sponge and very lightly dab it against the wall. You may want to have another container on hand filled with water, allowing you to occasionally clean the sponge while also helping to keep it moist and the paint flowing.
Apply the paint in a random pattern, twisting the sponge occasionally to change up the nature of the application. Be sure to step back every once in a while to get an idea of the overall effect that you are achieving. In general it’s best to err on the side of caution with this first coat. Remember it’s easier to put more paint on than to take it off.
A small piece of the sponge can be ripped off at the end to apply paint in corners and along the edge. If you are using a second sponge color, you should use a completely new sponge and a second roller tray to avoiding mixing and distorting the paint. Apply subsequent layers using the same technique, always being sure to periodically review your progress.
If the job is too hard to finish in a single day, keep the sponges stored in an air tight zip lock bag so that they don’t dry out. When you’re done, warm soapy water can be used to clean any excess paint off of clothes, hands, and sponges. Write down the exact paint number of the colors you used in case you need to do a touch up later. Then properly store or dispose of all leftover materials.
This article is provided courtesy of the people at PebbleZ – a manufacturing company specializing in the design and sale of a series of decorative walls clocks made from real stone. The article itself was written by Joey Pebble.
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