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Sponging is one of the easiest paint techniques to master. This quick and simple technique begins with the application of a solid base paint colour, onto which a lighter or darker paint colour is applied. Lighter colours are typically applied over darker ones to create depth, but the opposite can be done for more definition and texture.
Sponging is effective and extremely versatile. It gives an all-over, random pattern that can be subtle or bold – it's all up to you. If using muted colours, you will get a softer look. For a more striking effect simply build up several layers of different colours.
What you will need:
# Acrylic paint in 2 or 3 colours
# Paint tray
# Paint roller
# Natural sea sponge
# Bucket of water
# Drop cloth
Here's how:
Step 1:
Start by painting the wall using a paint roller in the background colour that you have selected. The background colour is the strongest colour, and the one you will see the most of.
Step 2:
Pour a small amount of the lighter, or darker, complementary colour into the paint tray, prepare your sponge by wetting and squeezing until almost dry and then lightly tap it into the paint. Use newspaper to dab off some of the paint on the sponge so that it is not overloaded as this will spoil the effect.
Step 3:
Tap the sponge over a 1 metre square area, using light pressure throughout the process. Remember that the harder you apply the sponge,
the more paint you apply to the wall.
Step 4:
It is important to keep changing the direction of the sponge to avoid unwanted repetition of patterns, standing back occasionally to assess the effect. Sponge corners after the effect has been applied to the walls. Leaving an irregular unpainted margin that is approximately 10cm wide on either side of the corner, then use a small piece of sponge to fill and blend these areas into the rest of the effect.
Janice Anderssen is Women24's Décor & DIY expert. Click here to ask her a question and here to visit www.Home-Dzine.co.za
Like the idea of adding texture by sponging your walls? Share your decor tips in the box below.
Sponging is effective and extremely versatile. It gives an all-over, random pattern that can be subtle or bold – it's all up to you. If using muted colours, you will get a softer look. For a more striking effect simply build up several layers of different colours.
What you will need:
# Acrylic paint in 2 or 3 colours
# Paint tray
# Paint roller
# Natural sea sponge
# Bucket of water
# Drop cloth
Here's how:
Step 1:
Start by painting the wall using a paint roller in the background colour that you have selected. The background colour is the strongest colour, and the one you will see the most of.
Step 2:
Pour a small amount of the lighter, or darker, complementary colour into the paint tray, prepare your sponge by wetting and squeezing until almost dry and then lightly tap it into the paint. Use newspaper to dab off some of the paint on the sponge so that it is not overloaded as this will spoil the effect.
Step 3:
Tap the sponge over a 1 metre square area, using light pressure throughout the process. Remember that the harder you apply the sponge,
the more paint you apply to the wall.
Step 4:
It is important to keep changing the direction of the sponge to avoid unwanted repetition of patterns, standing back occasionally to assess the effect. Sponge corners after the effect has been applied to the walls. Leaving an irregular unpainted margin that is approximately 10cm wide on either side of the corner, then use a small piece of sponge to fill and blend these areas into the rest of the effect.
Janice Anderssen is Women24's Décor & DIY expert. Click here to ask her a question and here to visit www.Home-Dzine.co.za
Like the idea of adding texture by sponging your walls? Share your decor tips in the box below.
