Sponge painting is by no means an innovative new idea, but faux finishes generally continue to grow in popularity. It appears that there is a constant flow of new or updated techniques designed to bring the modern look in wall décor into your home. The problem is that a few of the techniques require a bit more skill and time than some people are willing to invest. Whilst you may be hesitant to try some of the more elaborate faux finishes. Sponge painting remains probably the easiest ways to add some visual interest to your walls.
There is several ways that you can use sponge painting to create a faux finish, and below are two of the best ideas. Both ideas involve the use of glaze, and the techniques are generally accomplished by anyone - no unusual skills are required!
Before applying the faux finish, be sure to properly prepare your walls.
· Wash walls by wiping them using a damp sponge. When dry, give them a wipe using a lint free cloth to get rid of any stray particles.
· Tape off all areas that you don't want to get paint on for example molding and window frames. Make sure to use a top quality painter's tape to ensure that you won't take off the finish from areas that have been taped.
· In case you are applying a color that is lighter than the present wall color, you will have to use at least one coat of excellent quality primer. Even if that is not the case, you may consider applying primer so the new paint can have a fresh foundation. Once you have prepared your walls, you are ready to start. Glazing may be completed in any color you choose, so there is no limits on your creativity. This technique is simply a coat of glazing applied over a base coat to achieve a faux finish.
Once the base coat has been applied, apply the faux glaze in small sections. The glaze is made by mixing your paint color with faux glaze. To cover an area of around 400 square feet, you need to mix one quart of paint to one gallon of glaze.
Method One
. Use a roller to apply the glaze to the wall, ensuring that excess paint has been removed from the roller before beginning.
· Next, dab with a slightly dampened sea sponge. First, dab on the edges left from the roller and then dab the whole area.
· It is vital to finish dabbing before the glaze dries, so you will have to work quickly. When the sponge has a lot of glaze on it, rinse the sponge and continue. Use all sides of the sponge so that you can achieve a random pattern.
· Continue, taking care to blend away all hard edges with your sponge.
Method Two
This technique uses the same glaze mixture as the first one, but for this idea you will not roll the glaze onto the wall. Instead, it is going to be applied with the sponge.
· Place a damp sea sponge into the glaze mixture, and remove the excess.
· Starting in a corner, dab the glaze onto the wall.
· You can actually apply as much or as little of the glaze as you want, just continue until you prefer the effect that has been achieved.
· Continue adding glaze to the sponge as necessary, being careful not to use excessive glaze. The sponge really should not be soaked with glaze.
· As you work, be sure to blend each section into the other. You don't want to leave any hard lines behind.
· You may also decide to add a further coat of glaze in a different color. This can add a look of depth on your walls.
These two sponge techniques are perfect for beginners who want to accomplish a faux finish. Try it this weekend and discover ways to easily transform your room in just one day!
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