How to Paint Floor Stencils

Paint floor stencils for an easy decorating effect.

Embellishing a wood floor with floor stencils is an inexpensive and simple option for decorating. By creating colorful and attractive patterns with paint and stencils, you can instantly transform a dull floor into a beautiful one. Even decorators lacking artistic talent can make beautiful stenciled designs when they select a pretty stencil pattern and use it to create innovative designs on the floor surface. Apply a border design or an all-over pattern with your stencil of choice.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Latex floor primer
• Paint roller (1/4-inch nap)
• Paint tray
• Latex floor paint
• Stencil
• Masking tape
• Latex stencil paint
• Stenciling brush
• Paper towels
• Latex polyurethane

Instructions

1. Prepare the floor surface by sanding it evenly with the sandpaper. Wipe down the floor with a damp tack cloth to remove dust and sawdust.

2. Apply the latex primer over the floor evenly with the paint roller, and allow the primer to dry completely. Paint the floor with one or two layers of latex floor paint, allowing the paint to dry fully between coats.

3. Position the stencil on the floor where you wish to apply the stenciling, and tape it securely into place with the masking tape.

4. Load the stenciling brush with a color of latex paint and pounce the brush several times on a paper towel to remove excess paint. Pounce, or dab, the paint onto the open areas of the stencil to apply the paint to the floor.

5. Continue applying the paint to the stencil, changing colors when necessary, until you finish filling in all of the stencil areas.

6. Remove the stencil from the floor, wipe off the underside of the stencil with the paper towels to remove excess paint, and reposition the stencil on the floor to continue the design.

7. Continue working until you finish applying the paint and creating the stencil design. Allow the stenciling to dry completely.

8. Paint the floor with one to two coats of polyurethane to seal the stenciling design on the floor. Allow the floor to dry for at least two days before replacing furniture or allowing foot traffic.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not wish to paint the floor surface first, start with Step 3.

References

• Home Building: Painted Wood Floors Will Liven Up Your Home: How To DIY