Dry Sponge?

[Somawas]

I've seen a couple of people talk about using "dry sponge" to darken an area around the edges of a project where the middle is a different and lighter color. Explain to me how to do this, please.

[whinewine]

I've seen a couple of people talk about using "dry sponge" to darken an area around the edges of a project where the middle is a different and lighter color. Explain to me how to do this, please.

I may be wrong, but it sounds like block dyeing, except with a sponge rather than a wooden block. Basically, it's a dry (doh!) sponge, either wrapped with a cloth, or not... dye is applied & then blotted on newspaper or a blotter to remove most of the dye. Then it's rubbed around the area you wish to work, lightly where you want very little darkening & heavier where you want more. Wear rubber or latex gloves, for obvious reasons. Or not...

[OdinUK]

Is this the kind of effect that can be obtained with an airbrush? So that the dye fades from dark at the edge to light near the middle?

[particle]

To some extent, yes. But, an airbrush will not give you the mottled, rustic look that the sponge technique will produce.

[OdinUK]

To some extent, yes. But, an airbrush will not give you the mottled, rustic look that the sponge technique will produce.

Ah right, I see. Thanks.