How to Beautify your Walls by Sponging

If you want a fast, easy way to create a designer look in your home, consider decorative painting techniques such as sponging. Sponging with paint offers a multitude of options through colors and layering. Whatever your desire, from bold dark pigments to lighter, more subtle pigments, sponging with paint combines designer colors with a speckled appeal.

Follow the simple steps below to create an intricate look for your room:

1. Apply the Base Coat

After preparing your surface according to the directions on the paint can, apply the base coat in your choice of interior paint and allow to dry. Tape off ceiling edges and the corner of the adjacent wall.

2. Dip Sponge in Paint.

Moisten a seawool sponge and wring out the excess water. Dip only the finger-like protrusions into the paint and blot off the excess on a piece of cardboard or styrofoam plate.

3. Press Sponge Onto Wall

Starting with the upper corner, lightly press the sponge onto the wall. Sponge as close as possible into the corner edge. Work diagonally in rows at a 45 degree angle. Turn your hand back and forth, while slightly overlapping each sponge mark. After completing a 6' x 6' area, rinse your sponge, reapply fresh paint and continue. Note: Be sure to sponge in column-like sections beginning at the ceiling and ending at the floor each time.

4. Detail Corners and Edges

If your corners or edges need a sparkle, take a small piece of sponge or small nylon brush with the bristles pulled back and flared out, and dab some rich color where necessary.