subject: How to Decorat with Stencils ? [print this page] How to Decorat with Stencils ? How to Decorat with Stencils ?
You can use stencils to create allover, random, or discrete patterns and decorative borders horizontally at the ceiling or chair rail level of a wall or vertically on a wall. This project guides you through the application of a horizontally aligned stencil using two colors.
Precut stencils in every architectural and decorative style are widely available at arts and crafts, home improvement, and paint stores. For a unique style statement, make your own stencils by cutting out a design with a hobby knife from a sheet of Mylar plastic. For unexpected flair, layer two or more stencils to create a custom design. (Simply proceed around the room with one stencil, let the paint dry for at least an hour, and then go back around applying paint with the other stencil.)
Prepare your stencil by cutting away with your utility knife any hanging bits or parts of your precut stencil pattern that aren't perfectly clean.
Dust any debris off the stencil with a clean rag.
Place the top of the stencil at the height you want it on your wall in an inconspicuous corner of the room. Place your level along the bottom of the stencil, and make necessary adjustments for level.
Tape the stencil in place with a small piece of blue tape on each of the four corners.
Find one of the stencil's four registration points (found in the four corners), and lift one corner of the stencil away from the wall. Place a small piece of blue painter's tape on the wall under the stencil at the registration point. Put the corner back down.
Use a pencil to mark the registration hole on the blue tape. Repeat this process with the other three registration points on the stencil.
Remove the stencil from the wall and place it immediately to the right of its previous placement, aligning the left registration points with the right ones that you marked with blue tape in Steps 5 and 6. Tape the stencil in place.
Lift one of the right two corners of the stencil, place a piece of blue tape under the registration point, put the corner back down, and mark the registration point on the tape with a pencil. Repeat with the other right corner.
Repeat Steps 7 and 8 all the way around the room. The last stencil probably won't be a complete pattern, which is why you should always start and end in an inconspicuous corner.
Put on your latex gloves, and prepare your paint by shaking or stirring up the paint or paints you're using with your stencil. Pour some of each paint onto a plastic plate.
In a well-ventilated area, lay down newspaper and place the stencil facedown on top. Spray adhesive on the back of the stencil and let it set until tacky to the touch.
Place the stencil on the wall, aligning the four registration points on the stencil with the points on the blue tape, and press it into place. To make sure the stencil doesn't move around on the wall, you may want to tack each corner with a bit of blue tape.
Load a brush with paint by gently dipping the tips of the brush in the paint.
Blot off excess paint by tapping the bristle tips on a paper towel in a straight, vertical motion. The brush is ready to go when the bristles look almost dry.
Starting at the outer perimeters of the stencil, lightly pounce color onto the wall by quickly touching the bristles to the wall and pulling the brush straight away. Stencil the design by working from the outside of the stencil to the inside.
Use the same pouncing action and clean brushes to apply a second highlight or lowlight color to the stenciled design as desired.
To reposition the stencil farther along the wall, lift the stencil off the wall with one clean motion, and align the registration points with the ones you marked on blue tape on the wall. You don't need to reapply adhesive as you move around the room.
