Never stenciled before? You can do this! Use wallpaper stencils on one wall, four walls or a section of the wall above a dining room chair rail. It's fun and easy! Wallpaper and floor stencils are easy-to-use "all over" designs used to recreate the look of fine wallpaper. They can be used with any paint indoors or outdoors on walls, floors and ceilings.
Practice your technique and test your colors.
No matter what your experience level, the job will be much easier. Start by practicing your stenciling technique on a practice board, a section of sheet rock or a piece of wood. It is very important to get the feel for how much paint to put on your roller, sponge or rag.• Choose an applicator. You can use a natural sea sponge, cotton rags, or a 2" or 4" foam roller. (Be sure to select a high-density roller which absorbs less paint for better control.)
• Spray the back of your stencil with repositionable stencil spray adhesive before your practice session.
• Wipe off almost all of the excess paint off your applicator before starting. You will have to push a little harder on the roller, sponge or rag, but you will have
greater control over how much paint goes on the wall.
• Once you have practiced a few sections of the stencil and are comfortable with your results, you should be ready to begin on your wall, floor or ceiling.
Let's Begin
If you are doing a whole wall, start at the top center of your wall.
- Shake the spray adhesive well, hold the can about 8" from the stencil and spray the back of the stencil evenly. (The front of the stencil is indicated by the side that the model number is on). Allow the spray to set for 30 seconds before adhering to the wall.
- Place the stencil on the surface and begin the paint application.
- Using a pencil, make light dots in each triangle mark before you move the stencil (see figs. 1 & 2). The triangle marks, or registration marks, allow you to repeat the design in all directions.
- As you reach a corner, do not try to attach the stencil to both walls at once. Press the stencil onto the wall you are completing, pressing it into the corner and letting the remainder hang free. Once the first wall is completed, press the hanging part into the next wall's corner and complete that stencil.
- Periodically wipe paint build-up off the stencil with a clean damp sponge. If you are using an oil-based paint, clean it with paint thinner or mineral spirits. Do not let paint dry completely on the stencil.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
• Carpenter's level
• 2" or 4" foam roller with roller pan
• Natural sea sponge, or Cotton rags
• Paper towels
• Repositionable Spray Adhesive
• Flat paint (colors of your choice)
• SWP0005 Small Harlequin Wall and Floor Stencil
• SWP0040 Elephant Wall and Floor Stencil
