Stenciling has become increasingly popular thanks to the farmhouse and Bohemian style movements. More than ever, people are looking for unique ways to add personal touches to their homes, and stenciling is a great way to do that without having to spend much money!
If you want to get more creativity in your life, start with sprucing up a bare wall, or take the leap and paint over bathroom tiles! The possibilities with stencils are endless.
But, if you’re new to painting or haven’t used stencils before, it can be a little intimidating at first. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. Use these three quick tips to make your next stenciling project a breeze!
1. Prep and Stick
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your design ends up looking great is to spend a bit of extra time preparing. If you’re using a repeated stencil, line it up with a pencil or chalk, so you know where it should stop and start each time you move it down your wall, tiles, etc.
It’s also a good idea to use a sturdy adhesive that will keep your stencil in place while you’re painting. Double-sided tape is a great option, but if you’re worried about leaving residue behind or material coming off your walls, try a low-tack painter’s tape, and make sure the stencil is completely flat before you start to paint.
2. Use the Right Brushes
You don’t want to use just any old paintbrush with your stencil. Find one with short, stiff bristles. You can also use a small roller to apply the paint. Check out your local hardware store or sites like different brands, like Purdy Paint Brushes, to find one that works for you.
Once you have the right brush, use the right technique. You don’t want to apply too much paint to the brush at one time. Load the brush with just enough paint to cover the ends of the bristles, and apply a thin coat over your stencil. It’s better to use two or three thin coats (letting the paint dry between each) than to cover it with a lot of paint. Not only will it take longer to dry, but you’ll run the risk of it smudging or smearing with thicker coats.
3. Keep Your Stencil Clean
If you’re doing a repeated stencil, it’s important to rinse it off in warm water periodically. This will keep paint from drying on it and getting “cakey.” If some paint does start to build up, it can compromise the design and some areas might look different than when you started. Keeping it clean is simple and only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference in the look of your final product.
You can find wall and tile stencils almost anywhere these days, so don’t be afraid to be picky when it comes to the designs that speak to you. It’s a great DIY project for a weekend that can change the whole look of a room!
