Composite Paint with Sprites

Has anyone used composite paint with sprites?  Specifically, I’m trying to have the same paint effect added to each sprite as it generates.  In other words, If sprite A1 has a shadow, I want sprite A2 to have a shadow applied as soon as it appears.

Admittedly, I’m new to spites as I’ve spent the past 3 years manipulating and shading physics objects instead of sprites.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jonathan