How to Paint With Wall Stencils

For an inexpensive alternative to wallpaper — and a creative wall-treatment that adds visual interest and a touch of whimsy — check out this simple how-to for applying a paint pattern using wall stencils.

By: Jennie Andrews

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To add pattern and playfulness to a room without the mess, cost and commitment of wallpaper installation, wall stencils are a great option. Beautiful patterns are easily achieved with just a stencil, a foam roller and standard wall paint, making this a perfect beginner's project. Stenciled walls have the impact and longevity of wallpaper but are easily and quickly changed on a whim. Wall stencils can be bought from many different online retailers in a variety of designs ranging from traditional to modern. Choosing paint colors determines the visual impact of the final look. Using colors that are close in shade or more neutral lends itself to a more subtle look while contrasting colors create a bolder design.

Bold Geometric Wall Stencil Paired With Modern Furnishings

Photo by: Jennie Andrews

Jennie Andrews

Tools and Materials:

4-inch foam roller
painter’s tape

wall stencil with guides
small artist’s paintbrush

1. Tape Stencil to Wall

Using painter’s tape, attach your stencil to the wall in the lower left corner. The edges should be placed flush against both the baseboard and the corner. The stencil should have no bubbles or gaps and should lie flat against the wall. Once the stencil is in the correct spot, use long pieces of tape to seal the edges of the stencil completely.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

2. Load the Roller

Load wall paint onto a 4-inch foam roller. Be sure the paint evenly coats the roller. Then use a scrap of cardboard or paper to remove most of the paint. Having too much paint on the roller will cause the paint to bleed underneath the stencil and give you a messy result. You will know the roller is ready when it requires a bit of pressure to distribute paint onto the surface.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

3. Begin to Paint

Using short strokes with the roller, apply the paint to the stencil. Apply only very light pressure to the roller, just enough to leave a light coat of paint. Applying firm pressure will cause the paint to bleed under the edges of the stencil. Working along the pattern, paint the entire stencil including the guide marks on the right side of the stencil. Because there is very little paint on the roller, the paint should dry very quickly but do allow it to fully dry before continuing. Without reloading the roller, paint a second coat on top of the first.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

4. Remove and Reposition the Stencil

Gently peel the stencil from the wall and remove all tape from the stencil. Move directly to the right of the stenciled area. Use the guide marks to carefully align the stencil and tape in place, again sealing all edges with the painter’s tape.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

5. Continue Stenciling

Repeat the steps from the first section to apply two coats of paint to this area of the wall. Next, align the stencil with the guide marks on the top edge of the first section and paint. Continue in this manner across the entire wall, working horizontally and vertically two rows at a time.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

6. Touch Up

After the wall is completely dry, use a small artist’s paintbrush to retouch any mistakes. Touch up the background color first and then touch up the stenciled color.

Jennie Andrews

Photo By: Jennie Andrews

7. Check Out That Wow Factor

This super simple project packs a big visual punch. Stencils are available to fit nearly any style, from the most traditional to ultra-funky modern, so you are sure to find one that is right for you and your space.