to sponge on

1 6.2

To put liquid or paint on a surface using a sponge

phrasal verb
/spʌndʒ ɑn/

: aplicar con una esponja

Make sure to sponge on the cleaner gently so as not to damage the delicate fabric.

Examples

She sponge on the paint carefully.
The artist decided to sponge on a layer of blue paint for a textured effect.
She sponged on water to remove the last traces of dust from the wall.
Don't forget to sponge on the second coat!
After preparing the canvas, she sponge on the paint to create a textured effect.
He decided to sponge on the cleaning solution to remove stains from the countertop.
For a smooth finish, sponge on the primer before applying the final coat of paint.

Synonyms

to paint

vsto sponge on

498 1.0

To put coloured liquid on a surface to protect or change how it looks

uses a soft porous tool to apply liquids rather than any method

to apply

vsto sponge on

110 1.3

Put a substance onto a surface to cover it

uses a soft porous tool rather than general placement methods

to slap on

vsto sponge on

Informal

55 4.5

Put on paint or cream quickly and without care

is done using a soft porous tool with more care and control

to glaze

vsto sponge on

9 4.2

To cover a surface with a smooth shiny liquid that dries hard, for example on food or pottery

focuses on the application method rather than creating a hard shiny finish

to brush on

vsto sponge on

4 3.8

To put a liquid or soft substance on a surface with a brush

uses a soft porous tool rather than a bristled one

to recoat

vsto sponge on

1 3.5

To put a new layer of paint or finish on something already painted

means adding another layer to an already covered surface rather than the initial covering

to onlay

vsto sponge on

1 8.8

To attach a thin decorative piece to the surface of something

uses a soft porous tool to apply liquids rather than attaching thin pieces

to stick on

vsto sponge on

3.8

Put on a thick layer of something like paint or makeup

lays on thinner more even coats using a soft porous tool

Antonyms

to remove

∞ 1.5

To move something or someone away from a place

How Much

to saturate

8 5.2

to sponge on

1 6.2

to coat

63 2.8

to brush on

4 3.8

dab

9 3.1

Surface Forms

sponge on infinitive

spongeed on past

spongeed on past participle

spongeing on present participle

sponges on third person singular

Morphology

sponge + on

The meaning 'to apply ... to a surface using a sponge' is directly and transparently derived from 'sponge' (to use a sponge to soak/clean/apply) combined with the preposition 'on' indicating application onto a surface. This verb + preposition composition follows common compositional patterns (apply X on Y) and would be predictable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Sponge on comes from the simple image of using a sponge to put liquid or paint on a surface by dabbing or pressing it. So, it means 'to apply a liquid, paint, or cleaner with a sponge'.