This method is used for creating a
speckled effect with two or more colours. The base coat of colour is applied to
the entire surface and the other colours are dabbed on to it, using a natural
sponge.
Base coat : Apply a base coat
of either thin latex or semi gloss. Use a 4 to 6 inches wide brush. Start with
horizontal strokes from the top of the wall in a specific area and cover with
vertical strokes before the paint dries to give a good finish. Repeat the
process until the whole wall is painted. Allow the base coat to dry for 24hours.
The paint to be sponged on can be used
as it is or thinned for a more delicate, semi-transparent effect. Dilute the
colour to be sponged, if latex with water and if semi gloss with white spirit at
50:50. If preferred more thinner can be added.
Take a little of the paint diluted
into a bowl. Dampen the sponge with water and squeeze it out. Press the flat
side into the paint to absorb most of it. The effect created can be tested
on a piece of lining paper by pressing the sponge on it. If you are satisfied
with the result you can start working on the prepared wall. while working on the
wall, be careful not to skid across the surface. The speckled look will lessen
as the paint runs out. Refill the sponge with paint, test as before and
continue. When the wall is finished, leave the sponged on colour to dry for 24
hours. If desired, a second colour can be sponged on in exactly the same way in
between the gaps left by the first sponging, slightly overlapping to create a
random effect.
If you feel that too much colour has
been sponged on, sponge on some more base colour to lighten the effect. |
