Remodeling : Other : Stenciling Hardwood : Home & Garden Television

A custom stencil can enhance the look of old hardwood floors.

You can extend the stencil design to the walls for an interesting visual effect.

Figure A

If your hardwood floor has seen a lot of use, but you don't have the time or resources to totally refinish it, you might want to consider adding a stencil to liven it up. It's a fairly straightforward, inexpensive project that you can finish in less than a day.

* It's a good idea to start with a plan. Try drawing out your stencil pattern on a sheet of graph paper before you begin.

Preparing the Floor

To test the existing finish on the floor, we dampened a clean cloth with alcohol and rubbed the floor in an inconspicuous area to determine the type of finish (the alcohol will partially dissolve an oil-based finish). We found that the floor had an oil-based finish, which meant we would need to use an oil-based paint to apply the design to the floor.
We used a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the floor to prepare it for the paint (figure A). Be sure to always sand in the same direction as the wood grain.

Figure B

We dusted the floor with a tack cloth to remove the wood debris, then gave the floor a final cleaning using a cloth dampened with lacquer thinner (figure B).

Mark the Location

We measured and marked the floor 11 inches out from the door thresholds on both ends of the hall.
We used a pencil to draw lines between the marks, using a level as straight edge.

Figure C

We placed painter's tape on the floor using the line as a guide (figure C).

Next, we used the edge of our flooring planks to guide us in laying out straight lines down the length of the hallway.

We took measurements and marked off sections of our pattern. We made the marks onto the painter's tape so we would not leave marks on the floor. With each new group of marks, we double-checked for overall appearance before we continued the pattern.

Figure D

Next, we popped chalk lines between the marks on the tape to create the crisscross pattern for the ivy stencil we would use on the floor (figure D).

Laying the Stencils

We first sprayed the backs of the stencils with mounting adhesive. Then we laid down the stencil, aligning it with the chalk line.

Figure E

Next, we used a stencil brush to apply the paint (figure E). We painted inside the stencil in a circular motion. After we finished painting in one location, we carefully removed the stencil and repositioned it at the next line. We repeated the painting process along the entire length of the design.

We finished the pattern in one direction down the hall and then began to create the crisscross pattern.

Once the initial pattern was complete, we placed the second overlay on the floor, aligning it with the pattern underneath. We used a darker color of paint for the second layer--this creates visual depth in the pattern.

We applied a brown gel stain with a narrow brush to freehand some extra vines into the design.

Painting the Border

To paint the border, we measured the width of one plank of the hardwood floor and transferred the measurement onto the ends of the stencil design.
We used a straightedge to mark the line and applied painter's tape to mark off the areas where the border was to be painted.

Figure F

Using a brush, we applied a heavy coat of gel stain to the floor between the taped lines to create the exterior border of the design (figure F). We also applied a light coat of stain to the inside area of our design. This slightly darkened the area so it would blend into the look of the design.

We continued to paint until the border was filled in with color. Once the design was dry, we carefully removed the tape from the floor.

Applying the Sealer

We cleared and dusted the floor with a tack cloth to free it of any dust and debris.
Next we applied a thin coat of quick-drying, spray polyurethane over the design area. This coat sealed the painted design and ensured that it wouldn't accidentally smear when we brushed on the final coat of polyurethane.
* Note: Try not to shake your container of polyurethane--you might cause bubbles to form. If the bubbles are spread onto the floor, they'll cause it to have a rough texture.

Figure G

Once the initial coat of urethane had dried we began applying our high-gloss polyurethane. We used a brush to cut in around the edges along the baseboards, then used a pad to coat the rest of the floor (figure G). We let the polyurethane dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

Also in this Episode

Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-909
•	Hardwood Medallion
•	Stenciling Hardwood

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Stenciling Hardwood

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