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Painting Techniques Sponging On Easiest & quickest method. Create a lively flecked effect. Result can be either subtle or dramatic, depending on colors. Base Coat: National Vinyl Silk or National Eggshell paint Glaze: National Special Effect , Water Steps: Apply the base coat and let it dry, 2 days. Mask the walls, ceiling, and baseboard adjacent to where you will begin. Mix the glaze and pour some of it into the paint tray. Moisten the sponge with water and wring well. Dip the flat side of the sponge into the glaze in the paint tray, coating the sponge evenly. Squeeze out any excess glaze and blot the sponge on a sheet of paper until you get a neat pattern without smears or blobs. Starting with a 3 x 3' area, lightly pounce the surface with the sponge using quick, movements of your wrist. Space the dabs approximately 3" apart in random pattern. Vary the painted print by rotating the sponge each time you lift it. Gradually fill in the spaces until the surface is evenly covered. You should not be able to see where one impression leaves off and another begins. Leave the leading edge of the section irregular so that you can join the adjacent section. Tips: Be careful not to rotate the sponge on the surface, or the gaze will smear. To avoid creating an uneven pattern, reload the sponge whenever the impressions begin to lighten.