How to Stencil Walls and Floors
Why use wallpaper when you can add a unique, creative touch to your walls and floors with a little paint and stencils? With imagination, you can turn your home into a one-of-a-kind showplace that will suit your personality and impress your friends. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Store-bought or homemade stencils
- Paint roller or glue brush
- String and chalk to mark horizontal and vertical lines
- Paint
- Clear varnish
Instructions
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Plan your design, and use chalk string markers to help lay it out vertically and horizontally on the floor or walls. If creating the look of a frieze border, start with the top designs first, then stencil the wall underneath. Repetitive or bold designs are best for large areas; single, uniquely shaped designs make interesting centerpieces for mantles or small spaces. Measure the spacing, and apply the designs.
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For best results, apply floor stencils on a base coat of white or off-white deck paint. Allow two to three days for drying, as these types of paint, although they hold up longer, will take longer than traditional paints to dry.
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After the floor is dry, apply another two coats of paint for the undercoat, and use chalk to mark out where the stencils will go.
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Using store-bought or homemade cutout acetate stencils taped or held tightly in position, apply paint with a roller or a glue brush.
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When stenciled area dries, apply one or two more coats, and allow to dry.
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If you prefer, you may apply a coat of clear varnish over the entire floor once it is stenciled. This will keep the paint from getting chipped or discoloring easily.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Buckingham Stencils
