About Sponge
Painting
Applying paint to a surface using a dried aquatic animal may not sound very artistic, yet the method has been embraced by many as one of the easiest ways to cover a surface and make its defects almost completely undetectable. The inference is to the art of sponge painting, usually completed with the assistance of a dried sea sponge that allows the artist to achieve a realistic faux texture with varying types of paint mediums.
History
While some may assume that sponge painting is a fairly new concept, the style of painting has been around since the early 1800s, when the interest in home decorating began to increase in popularity. Before the introduction of wallpaper, there was paint. Artists were called upon to adorn the walls of wealthy homeowners with elaborate sponge paintings that simulated the look of natural textures and designs, and miraculously covered any cosmetic defects that the walls were harboring. But with the manufacturing of textile fabrics and papers, this form of decorating entered into a dormancy. In recent years, the revival of a more classical form of decorating reintroduced the art of sponge painting, which quickly gained in popularity as a way to hide flaws and fashion walls inexpensively.
Features
The sponge painting technique is fairly simple to acquire. After choosing a paint palette that expresses one's taste, the only other item that needs to be considered is the size of the sea sponge that will be used to apply it. Although sponge painting can be done with the use of a single paint color, it is better enhanced with two or more. Individual paint colors are poured into separate trays, and the sponge is inserted into one of the trays of paint and dabbed onto the wall using swift motion. The sponge is then dipped into a second color, which is dabbed over the first. It is important to note that even though the paints are poured into separate trays, 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.
Types
Sponge painting is not strictly limited to wall painting. In fact, the technique can be used on just about any surface. And while it is suggestible that sponge painting be performed with a sea sponge because of its textured surface, an ordinary household sponge can be used as well. From ceramics to pottery, fabrics, wood and even tile work, the mediums for sponge painting are endless. The sponge painting technique is performed in the same manner as the walls no matter what the object, with the only difference being the type of paint that is used.
Considerations
When you are considering the idea of sponge-painting certain types of objects, determining the type of paint to use will depend on what it is made of. For instance, if you choose to sponge-paint a ceramic piece, it will be necessary to use a paint that is specifically designed for ceramic use and able to withstand high heat. And walls can be sponge painted using ordinary wall paint in the usual flat, eggshell, satin or gloss. Therefore, the same sponged effects can be achieved with any type of paint, but the result will be best if the paint used is specific to the object itself.
Effects
Glazes can be added to the paint in order to adjust its transparency. The more glaze that is added, the more opaque the sponged area will appear. Experimenting with different paint colors, in combination with or without glaze, will help to determine which look you like best. Varying pressure applied to the sponge will also offer different results, as will the amount of paint applied to the sponge. For instance, the effect of simulated leather can be achieved by loading the sponge with differing amounts of natural earth tone colors, in addition to variable amounts of pressure; while a marble look can be created in the same manner, with the addition of thin veins added with a detail brush. With sponge painting, the possibilities are endless--but remember that practice makes perfect. It is suggested that while you are trying to perfect your technique, test your ideas on an old piece of drywall before attempting the real thing.
