How to Stencil & Paint Furniture
Stenciling is a fast and inexpensive way to transform furniture. You can personalize practically any piece of furniture with stencils---tables, chairs, benches, dressers. There are endless ways to paint and stencil your furniture, so consider the look you want. For example, if the piece of furniture will be in a child's room, paint designs in bright colors that complement the rest of the décor. Or if you want a dramatic and elegant look, opt for designs in silver, gold, copper or bronze.
Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Fine sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Oil-based primer
- Paintbrush
- Painter's tape
- Acrylic craft paints
- Paper plate
- Stencil brushes
Instructions
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1
Use a damp paper towel to wipe away any debris, such as dirt and dust, from the furniture. Allow to dry, and sand any rough areas on the surface using 220-grit sandpaper. Use a tack cloth to wipe away sanding debris.
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2
Paint a layer of oil-based primer on the furniture piece using a paintbrush. A primer will give you a smooth, even surface on which to work. It can also conceal scratches or stains on the furniture. Allow the primer to dry completely.
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3
Purchase stencils at your local craft store. Popular stencil choices for furniture include diamonds, spirals, polka dots, ivy and stars. Children often prefer stencils such as rabbits, fish, kittens or puppies. Attach your stencil to the surface of the furniture with painter's tape.
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Pour some of the craft paint color you have chosen for your design onto a paper plate. If your base coat is dark, use light paint colors for your designs. If your base coat is light, use dark paint colors. If you want to use more than one paint color, make sure to use separate stencil brushes.
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Dab your brush into your chosen paint color, making sure not overload the brush. A paintbrush with too much paint can cause blotchy stenciling work. Apply paint by tapping the brush in the center of the stencil openings and working your way outward or by swirling your brush against the sides of the stencil openings.
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Repeat this stenciling technique to paint the rest of the stencils with other colors if you desire. Allow the furniture to dry for at least 48 hours.
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