How to Stencil a Focal Wall

Introduce a dramatic focal wall into a living room by stenciling a wall with a creative pattern.

Gray Stenciled Transitional Stairway With Red Chaise

Striking Stenciled Staircase

Janell Beals gives a fresh perspective on classic wallpaper patterns with this vibrant stenciled staircase wall.

By: Janell Beals

Related To:

Materials Needed:

stencil
stencil brush
painter's tape
pencil

wall color paint
accent color paint
paper towels
level

Preparation

Choose wall to stencil and select stencil design, wall color and accent color to paint stencil design. Paint wall if it is not already the chosen wall color.

Select and Prepare Wall Space for Stencil Project

Choose wall to stencil and select stencil design, wall color and accent color to paint stencil design. Paint wall if it is not already the chosen wall color.

Determine Starting Point

Determine design layout and position stencil on the wall at starting point. Attach the stencil using painter's tape.

Stencil Attached to Wall With Green Painter's Tape

Determine Starting Point and Tape Stencil to Wall

Determine design layout and position stencil on the wall at starting point. Attach the stencil using painter's tape.

Paint Stencil Design

Paint design on wall with a stencil brush using dry brush method. Begin by dipping tips of bristles in paint and remove excess by dapping brush on a paper towel.

Paintbrush Dabbing Excess Paint on Paper Towel

Paint Using Dry Brush Method

Paint design on wall with a stencil brush using dry brush method. Begin by dipping tips of bristles in paint and remove excess by dapping brush on a paper towel.

Paint Using Stippling Method

Apply paint using stippling method, which is dapping brush against stencil openings. Tip: Do not brush paint over stencil openings as this will lead to paint seeping under stencil.

Painting With Stencil Using Stippling Method

Paint Using Stippling Method

Apply paint using stippling method, which is dapping brush against stencil openings. Tip: Do not brush paint over stencil openings, as this will lead to paint seeping under stencil.

Hold Stencil in Place

Apply pressure to stencil around openings while stippling to ensure sharp paint lines.

Hold Stencil in Place While Painting

Apply pressure to stencil around openings while stippling to ensure sharp paint lines.

Mark Registration Points

Trace all four registration points with a pencil prior to moving stencil.

Pencil Tracing Stencil Registration Point

Mark Stencil Registration Points

Trace all four registration points with a pencil prior to moving stencil.

Move Stencil

Move stencil by lining up stencil registration points to continue design. Tape stencil in place and repeat painting process. Tip: Use a level to check stencil tile placement to ensure design is painted evenly.