How to Faux Paint Walls Using a Sponge

Sponging on a faux finish creates a mottled and attractive look, and is one that can be successfully executed by a novice. The natural pores and irregularity in the sea sponge applies paint in a somewhat random manner that emulates a natural aging or texture. The finish using sponges is a two-step procedure. First, you paint the base coat. Typically, you would use a light hue. Next, using a darker hue in a similar shade, you sponge on the final finish.

Latex paint (flat)
2-inch brush
Roller, tray and sleeve
Sea sponges (one large, one smaller)
Glazing liquid (available at home improvement store)
TInt
Mixing container
Mixing stick
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Paint the base coat on the wall. Cut into joints with the brush. Roll on the rest of the wall.
- 2
  Mix the glaze. Pour glazing liquid into the mixing container. Add the tint from the tube slowly. Mix well as you go. Stop periodically to ensure the glaze is well mixed. Mix until your glaze is noticeably darker than your base coat, but not extremely dark. The more contrast, the less soft and subtle the final effect will be.
- 3
  Pour some glaze into the rolling tray.
- 4
  Dip the large sponge fully in a bucket of water. Wring it out thoroughly. Dip it in the glaze. Blot it off on a dry area of the tray.
- 5
  Press the sponge gently to the wall. Remove, pulling straight off the wall. Do not slide the sponge on the wall. Repeat in a nearby spot. Continue, covering sections of the wall, several square feet at a time.
- 6
  Spin the sponge periodically. This keeps the finish random. Rinse and wring it when it gets too full of glaze and loses the sponge texture when you apply it to the wall.
- 7
  Blot into areas to fill empty spaces between applications. Use the smaller sponge on corners or to fill small spaces.

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