Creating Faux Effects
Take advantage of the unique texture of Natural sea sponges. Each sponge is unique and different effects can be created with same sponge..All faux painting techniques require a base coat.
Sponge painting looks best if you use at least two colours. If you want a more subtle effect, choose three colours from the same colour family and sheen (Satin, Matte Silk etc). Use the middle colour for the base coat and the neighbouring lighter and darker colours for your sponge effects.
It is best to use a darker colour first. If the overall sponge effect looks too light, you can dabb on a bit more of the darker col;our.
If you want a more transparent and softer look, mix the paint with acrylic glaze.
Dab the sponge in a random or criss-cross pattern.
Reverse Sponging
Using a paint roller roll the glaze onto the wall in small sections. Once you've rolled the glaze on use a damp sea sponge to dab through the glaze.
Color Washing
The top coat of glaze is applied over the base coat with sponge in a circular or "washing" motion. The end result is a soft, swirled look.
Tips
Always use a damp, not a wet sponge, natural sea sponge. Roll the sponge in a towel to get rid of excess moisture
Do not press down too hard with your sponge, use a light dabbing or rolling motion
Pour Individual paint colours into separate containers. Insert the sponge into one of the containers with paint and dab onto the wall. The sponge is then dipped into a second colour, which is dabbed over the first. It is important to note that even though the paints are poured into separate containers, allowing the sponge to become engorged with both enhances the faux look on the wall. Therefore, the more the paints become blended and fade into each other on the wall, the more attractive the look. The sequence of dipping and dabbing continues until the desired look has been achieved.
Work on a small area at a time, always keeping the edge of the painted area wet.
Choose a base coat and glaze colours that are close in intensity and tone. Too much contrast could produce too much of a blotchy effect
Different Texture and Effect with the same colours
Interesting subtle effects can be created by using only one colour.
Apply the base coat and let it dry.
Sponge on the same colour for a monochrome layered look
or
Use the same colour paint but choose a paint with a different sheen /finish