Abstract: A patterned synthetic sponge mimics a natural sea sponge when creating faux paint finishes. Such synthetic sponge is formed from an open cell elastomeric material that bears a pattern that has been created by a rotating grinding wheel that removes sponge material with a tearing action. A rotating silicon carbide, or other abrasive grit, grinding wheel preferably is used to remove the elastomeric sponge material, which preferably is made from an open cell, inter alia, polyurethane, polyether, polyester foamed elastomer. A paint roller made from the novel patterned synthetic sponge has its edges beveled.

Abstract: A patterned synthetic sponge mimics a natural sea sponge when creating faux paint finishes. Such synthetic sponge is formed from an open cell elastomeric material that bears a pattern that has been created by a rotating grinding wheel that removes sponge material with a tearing action. A rotating silicon carbide, or other abrasive grit, grinding wheel preferably is used to remove the elastomeric sponge material, which preferably is made from an open cell, inter alia, polyurethane, polyether, polyester foamed elastomer. A paint roller made from the novel patterned synthetic sponge has its edges beveled.

Abstract: Tool for imparting a knocked-down pattern to a wet, textured topping compound applied to a surface, and method of using the same. The tool is formed as including a generally planar, elongate base member having a widthwise extent extending between a first and a second edge, and a lengthwise extent extending along a longitudinal axis from a first to a second end. A flexible blade is provided to extend lengthwise with the longitudinal axis of the base member intermediate the first and second end thereof. The blade has a widthwise extent extending between a proximal edge supported by the base member and a distal edge disposed outwardly from the first edge of the base member which defines with the distal edge of the blade an upper working surface for contact with the topping compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaged stipple brush and its method of construction. The stipple brush is constructed of brush receptacles retaining brush elements for transferring a generally radial pattern to topping compound applied to a surface. The brush receptacles are acutely angled with respect to the centerline of the brush which predisposes the brush elements to lie in a flattened manner, thus eliminating the need for the craftsman or other user to train the stipple brush prior to its use. The brush elements are further trained to lie flat by the method in which a fully assembled brush is removably captively retained against a flat surface, such as a point of sale display, during it shipping, storage, and display. In this manner the package becomes part of the manufacturing process for the stipple brush.

Abstract: A method for transferring generally radial patterns to topping compound applied to a surface using a stipple brush. The stipple brush has a two-sided base plate having a first side moveable into substantially parallel adjacency with the surface to be stippled, an oppositely disposed second side, and an outer edge. The first side of the base plate has disposed therein a predetermined pattern of brush receptacles which are all acutely angled at substantially the same angle with respect to a central axis extending perpendicularly through the base plate, and which radiate outwardly therefrom toward the outer edge of the base plate. A plurality of brush elements having predetermined lengthwise extents are disposed in the brush receptacles at orientations defining substantially the same acute angle with respect to the central axis of the base plate as the brush receptacles.