4. MATER SPECIAL EFFECTS

Once you feel confident in your paint handling skills, test yourself by taking it up a notch for some special effects.

Sponging
Combing
Rag rolling

Sponging

This look doesn't have to remind you of cheesy dentist office decor if done right. Sponging (that is, using a sponge to add some interesting splotchy color to the walls) can be done in a number of ways: with light colors over a white base coat or layering dramatic colors. Sponging is a useful technique in areas where you want to liven up a small space or add texture to a large expanse of wall. You can also use it, as with the other special effects, on only one wall in a room for variety and paint the other walls with either the background or the top layer of paint.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Prepare surfaces as described in step 2.

  2. Paint walls with the background color of your choice.

  3. Let the walls dry.

  4. Find a sponge with the desired texture, either a kitchen sponge or a funky sea sponge. Test it out first on a poster with your background color on it.

  5. Wet the sponge and dip into the paint you have chosen for the top layer. Pour the paint into a roller pan or a tray or plate.

  6. Blot extra paint from the sponge onto a paper towel.

  7. Dab the sponge onto the wall.

  8. Continuously reapply paint to the sponge so the paint doesn't fade. Rinse the sponge with water if it gets overloaded or clogged and squeeze out excess water.

  9. As you work, step back from the wall periodically to ensure you have the right amount of paint on the sponge and that the result looks good.

  10. Rotate the sponge every so often to get a varied effect. Remember to let some of the background color how through. You want the resulting wall to look evenly sponged.

  11. If using more than one color of paint, remember not to sponge too heavily with the first coat; otherwise the base coat will not show through.

  12. Remember that LESS IS MORE. This is supposed to be subtle, not freaky.

Combing

This technique lets you add texture and depth to a wall with a geometric or wavy look. It is achieved by running a notched window squeegee over wet paint. It actually puts lines in your paint job, putting lines in the wall. It can make a wall look incredibly interesting.

  1. Cover trim and adjoining ceiling space with masking tape.

  2. Prepare surfaces as described in step 2.

  3. Apply paint and let dry for one day.

  4. Buy a specially prepared comb at the hardware store (or make one by cutting notches into a window squeegee). Cut the notches as small or large as you want, and space them evenly across the squeegee.

  5. You can achieve various effects either by combing wet paint in one direction (e.g., ceiling to floor), making wavy lines (vertically or horizontally), or go for a plaid-effect by doing both horizontal and vertical strokes.

  6. On a small patch of wet paint, try out what you have in mind. When you've committed to a look, use even pressure throughout the stroke.

  7. If doing horizontal squiggles, use a roller across the wall and follow quickly with the squeegee. Repeat the process, using the squeegee to make parallel lines. Never stop the squeegee in mid-stroke.

  8. If doing vertical lines, use the roller from ceiling to floor and squeegee over the fresh paint.

  9. Repeat the process to cover the wall. Be quick, or the paint will dry and you will get a less defined effect.

Rag Rolling

This technique involves rolling cloth over wet paint, resulting in a textured look.

  1. Any clean cloth can be used. You might want to experiment with different materials on a small section of wall before starting. Try various textures such as cotton sheets, terry-cloth towels or potato sacks for a range of effects.

  2. Prepare surfaces as described in step 2.

  3. Apply paint and let dry for one day.

  4. Cover small sections with the desired paint color. You can use either oil-based or latex paint.

  5. Put on some gloves.

  6. Dip a bunched cloth across in a tray of differently-colored wet paint.

  7. Roll it up and down or in all directions on the wall, depending on the look you want.

  8. Repeat until entire section is done.

  9. If you want a more uniform look for an entire wall, try using one long rolled-up cloth such as a bed sheet. Get a friend or two to help you cover the entire wall at once.