Stenciling is not only fun, but it can also allow you to decorate your home according to your desired style. This is because there’s nothing more enticing or comforting than living in a place that you have customized with your own hands. Here are some Tips for Stenciling Walls and Furniture.
Stenciling can be a bit challenging for some people, but before you get overwhelmed, here are some tips that will help you during your stenciling journey.
How to Stencil Your Wall and Furniture
Here’s our ultimate painting guide on how you can stencil your wall:
1. Gather Equipment
Begin by gathering your supplies such as:
- A stencil with preferred designs
- A paint tray
- Paint
- Stencil level
- Painter’s adhesive
- A ladder
- Tape measure/ ruler
- Application equipment like brush, roller, or sponge
- Rags or paper towels
2. Check the Surface You Want to Stencil
If you are a beginner, you probably don’t know that not every surface can be stenciled. Here are some Tips for Stenciling Walls and Furniture. A heavily or rough textured surface can be a problem since the stencil will be uneven. Therefore, it is recommended to first prepare your surface by removing any dirt, old paint, or oil.
Simply create a cleaning solution by mixing ½ cup of vinegar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of borax, and 1 cup of water.
Here are some methods you can use to prepare different surfaces:
- Wood – A fine-grit sandpaper will help you to smoothen the surface before using the above cleaning solution to wipe the surface with a rag or paper towel.
- Glass/Ceramic – Use the prepared cleaning solution using a paper towel or cloth then allow it to dry.
- Metal – Cleanse with the cleaning solution and let dry. In case the metal has rust, you should mix baking soda with vinegar and use the solution to scrub off the loose pieces. After, clean it with your cleaning solution and allow it to dry completely.
- Fabric – Using the above cleaning solution, wash the fabric thoroughly then allow it to dry. However, avoid using fabric softer since it can prevent you from creating perfect stencils. Moreover, if you need to remove wrinkles, avoid applying spray starch while ironing.
3. Aligning the Stencil
Before you begin stenciling, always ensure that the stencil is firmly attached to the surface. You can even use a painter’s adhesive or tape to lower the leakage of paint and prevent you from removing the base coat paint.
Which Part of the Wall Should You Stencil
The best part of the wall is at the center. You can mark it with chalk, but if a door or window is on the way, then find a place where you can begin from top to bottom.
When it comes to using the stencil, you should always start from the center of the pattern towards the outside.
Use the Dry Brush Technique
There are different techniques of painting your walls, but when it comes to stenciling, it is recommended to use the dry brush method using either a brush or a roller.
What this means is that you should dip your brush in paint and then use a rag or paper towel to remove some of the paint. Next, hold the brush vertically then move it up and down to paint out the pattern.
But be warned, using a brush can take a longer period than using a roller.
How to Stencil Using a Roller
Apart from using a brush, you could also use a roller as your application tool. However, you will have to apply more paint than the brush method, thereby forcing you to continuously wipe off your stencil.
Simply use a cardboard or paper towel to remove extra paint from the roller, and then apply the paint using a pressure of light to medium. There are more Tips for Stenciling Walls and Furniture below.
Patience is Key
Typically, you may feel the need to lift up the stencil and take a quick peek. But if you do not want to mess up your hard work, then take a few minutes to allow the paint to settle, since it may drip when taking off the stencil.
Sometimes when doing the final touches to your stenciled masterpiece, you may probably notice a few messes. But before you start worrying, you can always use a color that resembles the stencil’s color, and paint over the mess. Alternatively, use a clean dry rag to wipe it off.
There are also some bridges that connect the floating parts of a stencil which can help improve their strength. Though there are some people who like the bridged appearance, there are some who don’t.
Therefore, you can try to fill out the gaps that the bridges leave behind using similar paint color.
Can I Make My Stencil Reusable?
Taking good care of your stencil will enable them to last long. All you need to do is clean and store them appreciate after use.
Using warm water, scrub the stencil lightly using a dish brush. After, dab a dry paper towel, and then allow it to fully air dry.
If the paint is difficult to remove using basic cleaning, you can opt for a deep cleansing method. Simply use a paint cleaner to spray the stencil’s front, and then keep it in a firmly closed plastic bag for a few hours or even overnight.
After that, use a fish scrub to scrub the stencil lightly before running it under clean water. Conclusively, use paper towels to dry the water.
You can keep your stencils inside a storage container. However, make sure you don’t forget to place them flat with each stencil occupying its own plastic bag. Alternatively, use hangers to hang them in your closet or anywhere you find pleasing.
Conclusion
There are numerous types of faux finishes that are ideal for painting your wall and furniture. However, stenciling is one of the best methods that stand out the most because it has the ability to look like those expensive wallpapers that most people use in their homes.
These are some fine Tips for Stenciling Walls and Furniture.
