Powder applied paint is referred to as "spattered", and sponge-applied paint is referred to as "sponged". After 1840, decoration was applied exclusively with sponges, cut into desired shapes, and without accompanying painting. This cut-sponge décor, however, appears primarily on Whiteware.

This description of Pearlware, Sponged or Splattered comes from the Historical Archaeology Digital Ceramic Type Collection maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History.

White to light cream-colored, thin, hard refined earthenware paste. White to faint bluish white clear lead glaze, caused by the addition of cobalt to the glaze. There is a bluish cast where the glaze pools. Decoration combines simple painted designs such as peafowl and floral elements with areas of sponge-applied or powdered-applied paint, usually in blue.