Stippling

Stippling, or “pouncing” is a faux painting process that creates a sandy fine texture on the wall surface. Stippling may require the use of a stippling sponge that can be purchased at a hardware or home improvement center. Instead of a stippling sponge, a household sponge or dry brush with firm bristles may be used.

The surface of the wall should be cleaned and prepared for painting. A paint color that is at least two times lighter than the final desired shade of the stippled wall should be painted on the surface with a brush until the wall is completely covered. The wall should completely dry prior to proceeding with the next step in the stippling process.

Next, prepare a glaze mixture with a manufacturer's latex glaze. Add color to the stippling glaze until it is the desired shade for your décor.

The color glaze mixture should now be applied to the wall using a brush. Be sure to saturate the stippling wall with the glaze to ensure that the entire wall is covered.

Prior to the stippling wall drying, use the stippling sponge, end of a dry brush, or a household sponge without squared corners to stipple the wall. The applicator should be dry. Be sure and press the applicator into the wall and release. Ensure that you do not make strokes, as this will not create a stippling effect. While the stippling sponge is being applied you will notice that it is meticulously removing the glaze coating in random locations and revealing the undercoating.

Proceed in this manner until the entire stippled wall has been stippled.

Professionals recommend finishing the wall with a clear glaze or clear varnish to protect the stippling wall and add depth to the final stippling project.