Sponge painting is an easy way to add a little texture to a wall by layering multiple shades.

A few years ago, my mother decided to upgrade her kitchen walls. The paper was getting old and discolored and peeling at the seams, and everyone agreed it was time for an upgrade. The first attempt was a disaster, however, with the solid gold color she chose, reminding us of a kitchen from 1970’s California. The only thing missing was my Gramma’s old Philco refrigerator! The second attempt was an almost cream colored yellow, which left the kitchen looking as stark as a hospital wing. But the third time was the charm when my mother decided to try sponge painting.

Sponge painting a fun and easy way to give new life to any room, all you need is two shades of paint, a roller and a sponge. Reminiscent of the old spackled enamel cookware, it gives walls a country cottage look, and is far more welcoming than a solid colored wall. This is particularly nice for a room such as a kitchen where the formality of a solid color is not necessarily wanted. Sponge painting is a lot easier than trying to deal with wallpaper, but the finished result has a similar feel to wallpaper.

To start, select two shades of the same the color, one being the main color you would like to see, the second being about two shades darker. Paint the darker shade on the walls first. If there is already wallpaper on the walls, smooth the seems with plaster, then paint right over it. It saves the trouble of trying to remove the wallpaper. Use a paint roller to coat the entire wall with the darker color, the same way you would paint any traditional wall. Apply a second coat if necessary.

When the first shade has dried, softly dip a piece of sponge into the lighter color then proceed to dab it on the wall. The object is dab haphazardly, allowing the bottom color to peek through in tiny spots. Don’t try to make it to orderly. Stand back from time to time to ensure there are no large patches of dark color showing through. Keep dabbing until you are satisfied with the result. This is very similar to rag rolling, except that where rag rolling requires a bit of practice, sponge painting is so easy anyone can do it.

By Amber Reifsteck, The Woodland Elf

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