A Guide to Wall Stenciling

By DoItYourself.com Staff

While some people don't see stenciling as the optimum way to decorate walls, it can truly be a form of art. Stenciling is a great way to add interest and movement to a space without re-doing the entire surface of a wall. Using stencils is a cost effective way to achieve a new look and feel without having to repaint the whole room. It also makes a great accent in corners that otherwise look empty and uninteresting.

The key to creating an elegant look with stencils is to use colors that blend well with the existing wall color. Subtlety will add warmth and create beauty. Too often stencils are overdone with too many colors or simply the wrong colors, and these examples are some of the reasons that many homeowners don't consider using stenciling in their decorating projects.

For children's rooms or other areas where you prefer a more whimsical look, vivid colors or those with high contrast are the better choices. It really depends a great deal on the type of space you are decorating and the overall look you want to create.

Whichever effect you hope to achieve, one of the best tips to keep in mind is that it pays to make a practice board before going to the wall. This is true of most any paint treatment or technique, and stenciling is no exception. Start by painting a piece of scrap material in the same color as your existing wall color. When it has dried thoroughly, begin stenciling.

Try these tips:

1. Lightly mark the area where you intend to place the stencil to ensure that it is lined up straight.
   
   
2. Use a spray adhesive or a bit of painter's tape to hold the stencil in place.
   
   
3. When applying paint, use stenciling brushes. Dip the brush into the paint and remove some of the excess by blotting.
   
   
4. Dab the paint on instead of using typical brush strokes.
   
   
5. Work from the outside edge of the design toward the center. This will help you avoid pushing paint underneath the stencil and disturbing the outline.
   
   
6. Don't hesitate to mix colors. Sticking to one color will make the design look flat. Mixing colors will make it more dimensional and interesting.
   
   
7. Don't become discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out as you expected. Try again. It may take a little practice to get it just right.

Once you are able to achieve the look you want, follow the above steps on the wall. It is wise to wipe the area you intend to paint before beginning in order to remove any dust that could interfere with your stenciling.

After you have completed a section, let it sit for just a moment and then carefully pull away the stencil. Grasp one corner and gently pull it away in a diagonal, downward motion. Wipe any paint from the stencil and move on to the next marked off area, but take care not to touch the freshly painted section when applying the stencil or when painting the next section.

You will be delighted with the beautiful looks you can create with stenciling.

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