Stenciling 101

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There are several techniques you can use to give your paint job an extra special touch, and stenciling is one such method. Wallpaper has dropped in popularity, but stenciling allows you to still include design on your walls without the concerns of a difficult removal process when it goes out of style. As shown below, stenciling can be used to accentuate tile, flooring, walls, and furniture.

Tile backsplash. Make sure the tile is clean, dry and a satisfactory background color before beginning the stenciling process. Once you are ready, use a level to draw a baseline to work off of. Tape the stencil to the tile to hold it in place, and carefully apply the stencil paint of your choice.

Floor. Again, make sure the floor is clean and dry. The paint will adhere better if the surface has been lightly sanded. Tape the stencil in place, apply the paint or stain. After it has dried completely, remove the stencil and seal with either a urethane or oil-based sealant.

Furniture. There are several different stencil designs that you can use on furniture. You can even get creative, utilizing ideas such as this slightly more unique idea one: employ the assistance of a lace doily and a can of spray paint instead of a standard stencil.

Walls. By now, you should have a basic idea of what is entailed in using stencils. The same rules apply for the walls: careful masking, a level when needed, and meticulous application.

Preparing the surface for the stencil. This is key to ensuring the result you are looking for is proper preparation of the surface before beginning. Make sure the wall is clean, in good repair, and painted a contrasting background color. Tape the stencil in place to prevent it from moving. Lightly dab the paint on to prevent any drips from seeping behind the stencil. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the stencil to avoid smearing the design.

Where to find stencils. Many paint and craft stores offer some assortment of stencils, but your widest selection will probably be through online sources. Some of these sources will include special sponges and brushes to aid in creating the custom effects that make stencils so attractive.

What type of paint to use. There are special paints just for stenciling, but you can also use any standard latex or acrylic paint. It helps to either use a fast-drying paint or to add an accelerator to the paint to encourage it to dry faster. One such product is called Japan Dryer.

If you are planning a painting project, request free estimates from licensed, professional painting contractors who will be skilled in applying stenciling affects.

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