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How does it work? If you
have ever watched home improvement shows before, you may have
noticed just how quickly it can be done. 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 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.
Finally, you want to be careful about mixing different paint
materials without proper preparation. Many older homes come with
oil-based paint on the walls, while the vast majority of glazing
substrates are latex-based. In such cases, you will need to apply a
primer to ensure solid bonding occurs – otherwise you may be aghast
to find that latex glaze peeling within a few weeks’ time! Latex is
also notorious for saturating sponges entirely; effectively undoing
the mottled effect you want. Rinse often and thoroughly to ensure
you get a nice array of contact points with each press.
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. |
