Image Source

If you are interested in giving one of your walls at home a boost, customizing it using wall stencils is a great option for you. With stencils, creating patterns that are otherwise complex becomes quite simple, particularly if you like painting the very same pattern several times.

Of course, you would not want to take chances and make a mistake with your home walls, which is why making sure that everything is done accurately the first time is highly important. At the end of your project, you can expect to get an amazing quality of stencil that you can personally use. 

Steps in Making Your Own Stencil Wall

Image Source

Step 1 – Choose Your Stencil Pattern

The very first step that you need to go through when creating your own stencil wall is picking out the pattern that you will use. At this point, you may already have something in mind. If you have that artistic side of you, you may even want to create a pattern yourself.

If you are not into producing your own design, however, you can browse for some free stencil patterns, printing them out. If you have not painted stencils before, you may want to begin with a simple pattern instead of one with complicated and tiny, lace-like details.

Whether you draw your own design or pick one from online sources, make sure to stick the images, which are only two colors, containing a minimum number of spaces that are surrounded by the color that you will be painting completely.

Step 2 – Choose the Materials

There are different ways of creating your own stencil wall, and your option will depend based on your plant and needs. However, there are basic materials that you can use, most of which can be changed depending on personal preferences.

Among these materials include thin plastic sheets, or use overhead projector sheets, whichever is available. This is often the recommended option if you have selected a pattern that can be printed. The only downside is that they can be limited in size. If you are planning to manually draw freehand, or use a complicated method in transferring an image, you may want to purchase a bigger plastic sheet that you can get from a specialty store.

Step 4 – Choose the Paint Color

There is no specific rule on which color your pattern should have. You may want to use contrasting colors, like black, on a white wall. You may opt for a comforting jewel tone or a vibrant accent hue. You may simply want to stick with the basics. All you need to do is simply test out the colors and see how they look like when dried.

Step 5 – Measure the Space

Before painting any space, make sure to measure it. The most important thing when creating a stencil wall is making sure that the pattern you are planning to use will fit on any space you have selected. If repeating the pattern is what you intend to do, make sure to measure how many times the selected image needs to fit on the wall. There may be a need to alter the design or size of the stencil to make sure that the project becomes easier.

Step 6 – Prepare the Wall

Make sure that the surface is clean. The paint will not stick to dust, moisture, or grimes that may be building up on the walls. Screw or screw holes should also be repaired. There may also be a need for you to paint a new color for the base prior to using the stencil. Give enough drying time before applying the pattern.

Step 7 – Prepare the Supplies

Among the supplies that you would want to prepare to include the following:

  • Stencil sheets
  • Measuring tape
  • Marker
  • Exacto-knife
  • Painter’s tape
  • Masking tape
  • Adhesive spray
  • Paint
  • Paint sprayer/brush
  • Other paint supplies depending on your project

Step 8 – Make the Stencil

Now, you need to create your stencil. Place your selected design or pattern beneath the stencil sheet. Carefully trace the pattern. You may want to use a ruler for this, especially if your stencil is filled with straight lines. If you are painting on a huge space, or if there is a need to create multiple stencil sheets, taping them together. This will allow your project to quickly move along while ensuring that your measurements are exact.

Step 9 – Attach the Stencil on the Wall

Stick the stencil on the wall, with the tacky part down. Make sure that it appropriately leveled, and tape the edges right down to the wall. All of the parts of the stencil should be sitting flat against your wall. You may want to spray adhesive to help it seal to the wall. This applies particularly if you have an intricate or complicated design. The stencil looks beautiful if consistent and crisp, which is why there is a need to remove annoying curling edges. Allow some time for the spray adhesive to dry.

Step 10 – Paint and Repeat

For wall stencils, paint sprayers work best. You may also use a sponge brush, roller, or other types of brushes, but make sure to cover the areas that you do not need to be painted. Avoid using too much paint, as the drips may only mess up the entire design. When it comes to specific paint techniques, everything boils down to the painting tool that you use. After completing the stencil, remove it carefully.

If you are working on a repeating pattern, move on to the next spot, but check for any traces of paint on the back part of the stencil, wiping it off accordingly. Attach the stencil in its new location, securing it down on the wall, repeating the process until everything is complete.