So, you’ve found your pattern and you’ve picked your paints. You can already picture it, can't you? But now to painting this stencil on the wall.
If you’ve never used a wall stencil before, don’t worry. You definitely don’t need to be a professional painter or have a particularly impressive collection of DIY tools. A little prep, a steady hand and a few helpful tricks are all you need to get started.
Here’s how to turn that wall into something rather lovely:
1. Do the prep (aka get your wall ready)
Before you even think about opening the paint, give your wall a little attention. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and free from dust or grease. Your paint should be fully dry and properly cured before stencilling over it. A smooth, well-prepared surface will give you a much better result.
2. Gather your supplies
There is nothing worse than getting halfway through a project and realising you’ve forgetton something.
You’ll generally need:
- Your favourite Stencil Barn wall stencil
- A stencil brush or suitable foam roller
- Low-tack masking tape or painters tape
- A paint tray or palette
- Paper towel or a piece of scrap card
- A level for positioning
Keep everything within reach before you begin. Your future self will thank you!
3. Position your stencil
Decide where you'd like your pattern to start. If you're covering an entire wall, it's worth planning your layout before you begin painting. Use a level and measuring tape to help keep your first placement straight. Secure the stencil with your low-tack masking tape so it doesn't shift while you're working.
If you're repeating a design, take note of the registration marks or alignment points. These help you position the next section so your pattern joins up neatly.
A little planning here saves a lot of head-scratching later
4. Less paint, more patience
This is perhaps the most important little trick of all.
Load your stencil brush or roller with paint, then remove the excess before touching the stencil. You want a relatively dry applicator, not one dripping with enthusiasm. Too much paint can seep underneath the stencil and leave you with blurry edges.
Build up the colour gradually using light, even pressure. It's much easier to add another layer than to undo a paint puddle!
If you’re feeling extra concerned about the painting bleeding, you can do the first layer in the same colour as your wall – so if the paint is going to bleed, it's at least in the colour of your wall and will be less noticeable.
5. Time to paint!
Work over the open sections of your stencil, keeping your brush or roller movements controlled. If you're using a stencil brush, try a gentle dabbing motion rather than brushing back and forth. If you're using a roller, apply light, even pressure and avoid pushing paint underneath the stencil.
Once you've covered the design (and left it until dry to the touch), carefully lift the stencil away from the wall.
And there it is! Your very first little bit of pattern.
6. Repeat, repeat, repeat
(Repeat)
For repeating designs, reposition your stencil using the alignment points/ overlaps or registration marks. Make sure your stencil is sitting flat against the wall and that the previous section is dry enough not to smudge when you move it.
Take your time. A steady rhythm will give you a much neater finish than rushing to get across the wall. Use your level again here to make double sure you’re still going straight.
7. Look after your stencil
A reusable stencil is made to be used again and again, so give it a little care between applications.
Follow the cleaning instructions supplied with your stencil and remove paint before it has a chance to build up or dry in the cut-out areas. Allow it to dry completely before storing it flat and safely.
So, a few little things worth remembering:
- Always test your paint and technique on a spare surface first if you are able to
- Don't overload your brush or roller
- Use low-tack tape to keep your stencil in place
- Allow freshly painted sections to dry before repositioning
- Take your time around edges, corners and tricky little details
And most importantly? Don't worry about making it absolutely perfect. A little handmade character is part of the charm and tbh - it’s just paint!
Ready to find your pattern?
Explore our collection of reusable wall stencils and decorative trims at Stencil Barn.
For the makers of home.