How to Stencil With Plaster

Using plaster and stencils, you can create subtle accents to your home's walls or add pops of color or texture. You also can use this method with large-production stencils to achieve the look of brocade or embossed wallpaper. Stenciling with plaster is a technique that can be used on tables, kitchen cabinets, walls or ceilings -- or anywhere you want to add pattern or texture.

Things You'll Need

• Spray adhesive
• Masking tape
• Watercolor pencil
• 6-inch drywall taping blade
• Putty knife
• Sea sponge
• Bucket of water
• Sanding block
• Paint
• Paintbrush or roller

Instructions

1. Spray the back of your chosen stencil with adhesive spray. Position it on the chosen area of the wall. If you are using a large-production stencil, start in the middle of the most visible wall at the ceiling line. Press the stencil down to get the best adhesion.

2. Mark the stencil registrations onto a piece of masking tape placed under the stencil. Use a watercolor pencil that you can wash off when finished.

3. Apply Venetian plaster or drywall plaster to your drywall blade with a putty knife. Apply a thin coat of plaster to the opening of the stencil. Don't worry if you get plaster on the edges of the stencil opening.

4. Smooth the plaster with your drywall blade or putty knife while it is still wet. Press a damp sea sponge gently into the wet plaster if you want a stone-like quality. Allow the plaster to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

5. Scrape the plaster off the stencil after every three or four applications. It's important to keep the stencil lines clean for best results.

6. Sand the nibs, or raised bumps, off the dried plaster designs, using a sanding block.

7. Paint over the stencils in the same color as your wall for a subtle effect, or leave them white for more drama.

Tips & Warnings

• Color the plaster before you apply it, using craft paints or universal tints.

• You may want to apply an application of paint and glaze to the entire wall, including the stenciled areas.

• Using too much plaster on your knife could cause it to seep under the stencil.

References

• Royal Design Studio: Stencils to Define Your Style
• "It's Faux Easy with Gary Lord"; Gary Lord; 2004.