Color Sponge Techniques for a Bedroom

Sponging On

• Apply a base color in the sheen of your choice and allow it to dry thoroughly. Pour sponge paint color into a paint pan. You can add glaze if you would like, but it's not absolutely necessary. Dip the sponge in paint, blot on a piece of newspaper or cardboard to remove excess paint and use gentle pressure to dab in a random pattern on the wall. Use a light touch so that the base paint shows through.

Sponging Off

• Sponging off consists of removing color from the wall. Apply your base coat and allow it to dry. Pour the decorative color into a paint pan and mix with glaze if you so desire. Use a paint roller to evenly apply paint to the wall. Cover only a few feet at a time so that the paint doesn't have the chance to dry before you sponge it off. Press a dry sponge to the paint on the wall and lift. Be careful not to twist your wrist as you complete this step as it will smudge the paint. Change the position of the sponge a bit and repeat the process until you've effectively removed a portion of the paint. Once the sponge feels saturated with paint, rinse and dry it thoroughly before returning to sponging.

Pore Size

• The size of pores in your sponge will determine how densely saturated the paint is. If you're looking for a light, sophisticated finish, use a sponge with larger pores. If you want to totally cover the space, use a sponge with a smaller, tighter pore pattern. If you're planning to sponge on more than one color, consider using different pore sizes for each shade.

Adding More Color

• You'll apply additional shades of color in the same way as the first. This time, though, look for bald spots or areas that haven't been covered. You can also create a marbleized look by applying the first sponge color in an irregular pattern, such as an angle. Apply the second color evenly across the wall, allowing some of the base color and first sponge color to show through.