Listen to 300+ podcasts by best-selling authors, published Wednesday, 4pm EST!

Technique: Sponging

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Finishing Techniques and other Interior Painting topics.

How do I do sponging?

Technique: Sponging

Acrylic latex is an excellent choice for beginners. If you make a mistake it can be fixed with a wet rag before the paint dries.

Tools for sponging:
Paint, sea sponge, rubber gloves, mixing container, a dish for each color and paper towels.

You can use the existing paint as your basecoat, or apply a coat of a new color. Latex basecoats work best for sponging.

Rinse your sponge thoroughly to remove any dirt or loose pieces. Squeeze it out so that it is barely damp. Tear the sponge into comfortable size and shape pieces for your hands. The rounded side will be used to dip into the paint. Also keep a small piece aside for corners and tight areas.

Pour a small amount of the first paint color, diluted slightly with water, into the first dish. Dip your sponge into the paint so the entire work surface is covered. Blot excess paint onto a paper towel so that you will not have "blobs" in your work. Pick an inconspicuous place to begin (behind a door or dresser). Work in small sections, no larger than 3' x 3', lightly dabbing your sponge in a random pattern in your area, leaving spaces between your impressions.

If desired add a second, third or fourth color, by repeating the above steps.

HINT: The color that you apply last will be the most dominant.

   

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.



Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Interior Painting Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Jerry Mayo