| Arts and Crafts Wall Stencil |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-401 |
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Q: What's a good wall treatment for my Mission-style home? I want it to look as it did when it was built. A: (From Nancy Golden, DIY Decorating and Design expert) What about a beautiful, authentic Mission-style wall stencil? Stenciling is easier than you may think, and the results can be absolutely stunning (figure A). Materials:
Stencil
Stenciling brushes
Oil-based paint (much better to work with than acrylic)
Layers of paper toweling
- Find the area of the wall that you want to stencil, and use a level to draw a straight line along the wall. Fasten the stencil in place with painter's tape.
- The key to good stenciling is to create very crisp edges. To accomplish this, dip your brush in paint and dab off any excess onto paper towels.
- Using either a circular or a pouncing motion, begin applying paint to the cutout areas of the stencil (figure B). Continue until you have completed a section, then remove the stencil and let the paint dry completely, about a day between colors (figure C).
- After the paint is dry, apply the second overlay, matching up reference points. Note: These may vary according to the stencil you use. Some are simply dots that you mark on the wall and match up with each succeeding overlay; others may be portions of the design that you likewise match when you position the overlay (figure D). Repeat the painting procedure, using the next color or colors you have chosen (figure E), and then remove the stencil and let the paint dry (figure F ).
Tip: Be careful not to stencil in the wrong direction; doing so could cause the brush to go under part of the stencil and spoil the clean lines of the design. - You should repeat these steps with every layer of the design until it's completely filled in (figure G). Remember that if you're a first-timer at stenciling, you don't have to use a stencil with multiple overlays. Many beautiful designs are available that can be done with a single overlay, or two at most.
Tip: When you're choosing colors for a Mission-style stencil, keep in mind that the colors associated with this design style are subdued, "muddy" tones such as moss green, slate blue, gold and eggplant (figure H). More Questions for Nancy... Q: What color should I paint the interior side of my metal front door if I want it to match the stained oak I have in the living room. Can I stain it? A: I wouldn't stain it -- the stain won't adhere to the metal very well, and it won't look authentic. You might try faux painting it in a wood grain, but I think I'd just paint it the same color as the living-room walls. Q: Can I paint over some textured wallpaper that I have below my chair railing? A: Only if the wallpaper is attached really, really well (if any edges are sticking up, you can use a nail file to smooth them down), and if you promise to use the right paint if you're painting over vinyl! Q: I have three large windows in my sunroom. Can you suggest some light window treatments that I Can use on them? A: I'd recommend using solar shades or honeycomb shades. Their translucence will allow the light to come in while still protecting your furniture.
RESOURCES :
Stenciling for the First Time
ISBN: 0806944854
Author: Rebecca Carter
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Stenciling
ISBN: 0764115499
Author: Reyes Pujol-Xicoy
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Stenciling: Ideas and Decorating Techniques
ISBN: 0696211157
Author: Linda Hallam (Editor)
Order this title from Amazon.com.
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