How to Sponge Paint

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Video Transcript

Sponge painting is one of the easiest self finishing techniques to do and I will show you how simple it really is, I am Meghan Carter and this is Ask the Decorator.

Out of all full finishing techniques, sponge painting is one of the most basic. All you need are two different paint colors, glazing liquid, a sea sponge and a paper towel. Do not try using a regular sponge for this technique because a regular sponge's holes are too uniform. A sea sponge has random holes which will give a much better texture. When choosing which colors to use the safest choice is to use the same color in different tones. But if you want to be more daring, try using contrasting colors.

So start sponge painting first apply your base coat. Paint the base coat on the wall as you would when you regularly paint your wall. Let the base coat completely dry. Once the base coat is dry, mix your next color with the glaze. I suggest using two parts glazing liquid to one part paint. For a darker look, use less glaze and more paint.

After making your glaze mixture, layout some extra paper towels, get your sponge wet and ring it out completely then dip your sponge into the glaze mixture. Wipe the sponge off on the side of your paint pan then dab the sponge onto the paper towel once to get off extra paint. Once sponging, make sure you start in the least possible corner of your room. Where you start and finish will leave a seam and you do not want people to notice that. Also always make sure you start at the top of your wall instead of the bottom otherwise, you might drip on places you have already sponged.

To sponge, lightly dab your sponge on the wall. Then rotate the sponge a bit and lightly dab the wall again making sure that your new dab lightly touches your last dab. Rotating your sponge will ensure that your pattern is varied and slightly overlapping your dabs will give an even coverage on the wall. Continue that process until you have covered the wall with dabs.

To sponge painting the corners cut a small piece off of your sponge. Then use it the same way as you do your normal sponge. Dab the small piece of sponge in the corners overlapping each dab and rotating for variation.

If you find that your first coat looks too light, repeat the sponge process again using light dabs and continually rotating the sponge. When you do that try using a different color for a layered effect. When you are finished you have created a beautiful finish on your wall. It turned out pretty good, did it not? Sponge painting looks beautiful on closets, hallways, rooms anywhere you want to add texture and color.

I am Meghan and this is Ask the Decorator. For extra information on how to complete this project and more decorating tips visit my website www.askthedecorator.com.