Natural Sea Sponges for Watercolourists

 Natural sea sponges are a valuable tool for watercolourists. Can be used to create a variation of textures and patterns. They can also be used for applying large washes and cleaning up unwanted paint of moisture or to delete brush strokes tracks and correct mistakes. 
   Excellent for lifting paint and for softening and blending colours.
   Natural sponges are better than synthetic sponges when it comes to artistic use because are better at holding colour and water like the natural hair paintbrushes. But not only hold colour and water between their fibres but also absorb it directly into the fibre itself, allowing for greater colour load and longer application time.

   A natural sea sponge will not leave trace hairs behind in the layers so artists can apply multiple layers. 
   The natural sponges are very durable and washable and as long as they take proper care like wash after every use, then they will last ages, and they will not degrade as the synthetic sponges.

 Being a natural product, each sponge has a slightly different shape and texture,
helping to create great depth in the artistic works.

     Natural sea sponges are great for:

 Creating effects such as smoke and foliage

Creating special effects

Organically textured effects

Stippling

Sponging on and sponging off

Absorbing excess saturation

Lifting paint

Softening and blending colors

Applying thin glazes of color

Removing unwanted washes

   Natural Sea Sponges are better on the environment than their synthetic competitors, and will last longer even for the most demanding of artistic uses.

   Why not try our natural "Artist" sea sponges today and see if they're not the most perfect and affordable choice for all your arts and crafts needs? 

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How to take care of your sea sponge to last for long time.

Before using the sponge for the first time, soak the sponge until it has absorbed water and it has softened, then gently squeeze the sponge to remove any grains of sand. Your sponge is now ready to use.
    
   Always allow the sponge to soften in water before using it.

     Always squeeze the sponge gently.

     Rinse the sponge after use in fresh water. Gently squeeze the sponge. Allow it to air dry on a rack so that the air can circulate.
      Alternatively, turn the sponge over when it is partly dry, so that the bottom of it can dry completely as well.  
      Clean the sponge regularly to prevent microbial build up.

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The Many Uses of Sea Sponges.

Sea sponges have long been esteemed as highly valued commodities for many different peoples and in many different places all over the world. They have always offered great value due to their natural qualities of softness, strength, high absorbency, and for their long life span of usefulness.
 

 

Some of their most popular uses include: Adult, infant, and child bathing, cosmetic applications, personal hygiene, feminine hygiene and care, pet bathing and care, horse grooming, premium car washing and detailing, wall painting, watercolor painting, arts and crafts of all kinds, shoe shining, household decor, dish-washing, household cleaning, and many more uses.

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Some interesting Facts about Sea Sponges

• Dolphins have been known to use them in order to hunt for fish that hide in the floor of the sea and in order to protect their noses whilst doing so.

• There are over 5,000 species of sponges identified by scientists worldwide, less than 12 of which are actually harvested for commercial use.
•  People have always debated with sponges are plant, animal or something in between. Since 1765 they have been classified as an animal. Unlike most other animals, they have no detectable sense organs neither do they have a nervous system.
•   Sea sponges allow huge quantities of water to pass through them, an estimated 20,000 times greater than their own volume.
•  The natural sea sponge is a renewable resource that is harvested from the sea. Scientific studies have consistently confirmed that the regular harvest of natural sea sponges enhances the health and population of the natural sea sponges. Our divers do not destroy the roots of the sponges, but they actually cut the sponge in such a way, that the liquids that are released in the sea, along with the current of the water, help the sponge to re-grow.
• Sponges can grow in sizes between few inches to 10 feet wide.
• Some deep sea sponges can live up to the age of 200 years.
•  Natural Sea Sponges possess remarkable powers of regeneration, or the ability to re-grow lost parts. Commercial sponge growers take advantage of this phenomenon by planting pieces of cut up sponge much as gardeners plant potato slices to produce many potato plants.
  

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