How to Create a Faux Finish with Sponge Painting

Create a textured faux finish with a simple household sponge.

Sponge painting is a quick and inexpensive way to add texture to any flat surface. This type of faux finish works well with walls or cabinets that have discolorations or blemishes you wish to hide. The color difference between the two paint layers is the key to a beautiful faux finish. Use a neutral color or white as the base layer. For the top layer, choose a darker color that contrasts with your base.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic tarps
• Painter's tape
• Paint, at least two different colors
• Paint roller, brush or sprayer
• Sponge
• Paint roller tray
• Clean rag

Instructions

1. Cover the floor and any furniture with plastic tarps. Mask off the adjacent wall or cabinet with painter's tape to give your project a straight edge. Remove any door handles, hinges or other hardware if you are painting cabinets or doors.

2. Apply the base layer with a paint roller, sprayer or large brush. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours, then check the color. Apply another coat if you would like a darker base or you need to cover imperfections in the wall. Let the second coat dry overnight.

3. Mix the glaze for the top layer according to the instructions on your paint of choice. Make sure you have enough paint for the entire project. If you have to mix a second batch of glaze, it may not be the exact same color as the first.

4. Dip a clean, damp sponge into the roller tray to pick up some of the glaze. Quickly remove the sponge from the tray so it does not absorb the glaze. If you need to remove excess glaze from the sponge, dab it on a clean rag or sturdy paper towel.

5. Create the desired texture for your faux finish by dabbing the sponge onto the surface of your project. Dip your sponge back into the roller tray to pick up more glaze as needed. Keep a consistent amount of glaze on the sponge so the color will match across your entire project.

6. Wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry before touching the surface. Replace any hardware you removed in step 1. Remove the plastic tarps and painter's tape from the areas around your project.

References

• Murals and Faux Painting: Faux Painting
• How To Faux Finish: Sponge Painting