Wall Stenciling: Tips for a Successful DIY Project

Jan 17
19:12

2010

Marcy Tate

Marcy Tate

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The articles presents tips for successful weal stenciling. Tips include preparing the walls properly and choosing the best paint.

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Wall stenciling is a budget-friendly project that you can do yourself. Wall stenciling can give any room in your home a fresh,Wall Stenciling: Tips for a Successful DIY Project Articles new look without you having to spend money on gallons of paint. This DIY project can be fun and rewarding. You can even get your children involved in the project. Wall stenciling allows you to add a personalized touch to your walls. You are in control of the entire project, from selecting the size and shape to the theme of your project. There is much less planning involved with a wall stenciling project than with a painting project. Careful planning and preparation is still necessary but not as thorough. Preparation includes choosing a theme, colors and purchasing or making your stencils. The options are endless, as you can choose to stencil an entire room, a small corner or around a door. Other popular wall stenciling ideas include stenciling a border or blessing on the wall over a baby’s crib. Wall Stenciling Tips: •    Make sure the colors you choose blend in with the current wall color. •    Consider using word stencils – it’s a great way to personalize a child’s bedroom. •    For small stenciling projects, consider stencil crayons. Paint lasts longer and looks better on larger wall-stenciling projects. •    For special designs, shapes or themes, consider custom stencils. •    Acrylic paint is often preferred over wall paint as it is thicker than regular wall paint and allows more control while stenciling. •    Purchase stenciling brushes. Stencil brushes help apply the paint more smoothly. There are different size stencil brushes. Choose a brush that will work well with your stencil. •    For the best results, choose matte or satin finish paint.    •    Practice stenciling on a large piece of cardboard or posterboard before you stencil the walls. •    The walls should be smooth and clean. Wipe down the area to be stenciled with a damp cloth and mild soap, if necessary. •    Repair any cracks on the walls by caulking and patching them. Wall Stenciling Ideas: Children’s Bedroom Animals, trains, cars, airplanes, butterflies, flowers, stars and clouds are good choices for younger kids. Full -size or body-size stencils are popular with teenagers. Full-size stencils are available several shapes, including a gymnast, ballerina, basketball player, football player and more. Family Room Under a mantel, you can stencil the word “family” or create a family tree with the names of your family members. Kitchen Grapes, coffee pots and "dinner is served" are commonly stenciled on kitchen walls. Remember, stenciling is not permanent. If you aren’t happy with the finished project, then paint over it with the original wall color.