Sponging is one of the quickest and easiest decorative painting techniques. It gives a deep, textured appearance to walls, ceilings, or furniture. Sponging with different colors add originality to any surface. You can really be creative with the sponging technique, so try it with more than one color.

Below is everything you need to complete your sponging project.

Shopping List:

• 2 different colors latex (acrylic) paint
• Large Sea Sponge
• Paint Tray
• Painter’s Tape
• Gloves (disposable)
• Paper (paper towels for blotting)
• Floetrol® or Penetrol®

Directions:

1. Mask off areas you don’t want to finish with low tack painter’s tape, including adjacent walls and ceilings.  
2. Be sure your surface is completely prepared and primed before you start sponging.
3. Apply the base coat (first color – can either be the lighter or the darker color). Let it dry overnight.
4. Using an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device, mix 3 volumes of latex (acrylic) paint to 1 volume of Floetrol*, or 3 volumes alkyd (oil-base) paint to one volume Penetrol.*
5. Pour approximately ½” of paint mixture into your paint tray. Dampen sponge in water and squeeze out excess. Lightly dip sponge into paint. Blot off excess paint on paper or paper towel.
6. Press sponge lightly against the wall. Repeat this in an overall pattern and texture, making sure some of the base coat is showing through.
7. Rotate sponge (except when touching the wall) so you’re not creating repetitive patterns or marks.
8. Work the edges of the wall first. Balance the finish on the wall to match the edges. Be sure to stand back every once in a while to judge the uniformity of the pattern and finish. You can make corrections by using the base coat color and a fresh sponge.

Tips:

• Sponge one square yard at a time before moving on.
• Complete opposite walls first, then adjacent walls to ensure you are always putting tape on dry walls.
• If you’re applying more than one color, wait until the first color dries before applying additional colors.

*These are approximate ratios. Surface conditions, temperature, humidity, direct sunlight and application methods vary widely and may affect performance. Experiment on samples using different ratios.