How to Stencil on a Wall

Wall stenciling was once confined to country designs or antique Americana. However, that is no longer the case. There are hundreds of stencil designs of to choose from that are appropriate to many types of home decor. Stencils also come in a variety of sizes, from small border designs to larger art that can take up a good portion of the wall. It is even possible to make your own stencil designs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint Paint roller and pan Tarps Dropcloths Stencil design(s) Stencil paint Stencil brushes Laser level Yardstick or tape measure Pencil Ladder Safety goggles Plastic gloves Mask

1. Determine which walls in your home you want to stencil. Then decide on the type of stencil to use and where it will be placed on the wall. To clarify the design, it can help to draw it out on paper.

2. Choose the colors that will be used for the wall. If the background wall color is to be changed, keep the new color in mind while deciding on the stencil color scheme.

3. Prepare the area. Move furniture away from the wall if a new wall paint color is to be used, or if touch-ups are going to necessary. Cover the furniture with dropcloths.

4. Lay additional dropcloths at the base of the walls that are to be stenciled. Tape them into place so they do not move as you work.

5. Don the appropriate safety gear.

6. Paint the base wall color (if it is to be changed), or touch up any dirty areas if the color of the wall is to be retained. The wall must be clean before you move on to the next step.

7. Use a laser level to identify the correct spots where the stencil will be taped (if it is to be used all the way around the wall). Mark the areas clearly with a pencil. If the stencil is only to be used sporadically, or in one area, you may still want to use the laser level to determine a straight line for taping the stencil into place.

8. Tape the stencil into place, following the instructions included with the particular brand you purchased.

9. Using a stencil brush and paint, begin stenciling in one color at a time. Follow the directions provided for the type of stencil paint you purchased.

10. Continue stenciling until all of the colors in the design have been completed. Let the paint dry thoroughly before you remove the stencil from the wall. If necessary, move the stencil onto the next area of the wall. Continue until the entire wall is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Use wall-paint tape that will come off easily, without damaging the wall or the stencil. Use the appropriate stencil paint for the type of stencil you have chosen. Otherwise, the paint may bleed through the stencil and ruin the design. Choose stencil brushes in various sizes. This will make the stenciling process much easier.
• Tape the stencil securely on the wall to prevent paint bleed-through. Trying to stencil large areas of the wall with small stencil brushes will make the finished product look uneven and poorly planned. Trying to stencil small areas of the wall with large brushes may cause colors to run into one another.