DIY Wall Stenciling

Wall stencils provide a decorative option beyond wallpaper and standard paint techniques. Use stencils to add a decorative border to a room. Large stencils allow you to add bold elements to a child's room, such as creating an underwater scene by stenciling fish all over a wall. Most home and craft stores sell premade stencils, but creating DIY versions provides you with exactly the design you want in the size you need. Use lightweight cardboard or special plastic stencil paper from a craft store to create a sturdy stencil for your wall projects.

Mild detergent
Cardboard or stencil plastic
Pencil
Craft knife
Stencil adhesive
Painter's tape
Dauber brush
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the wall with mild detergent and water. Dry it thoroughly before stenciling. Add a fresh coat of paint if the existing paint is damaged or fading.
- 2
  Draw your design onto the cardboard or plastic with a pencil. Draw only the outline of the design. Cut out the design along the lines with a sharp craft knife to create the stencil.
- 3
  Spray the back of the stencil lightly with spray stencil adhesive. Press it onto the wall to adhere. Tape the edges of the stencil to the wall with painter's tape.
- 4
  Dip a foam dauber brush, which resembles a flatten ball of sponge attached to a handle, into your paint. Press the dauber onto the stencil, daubing the paint over the stenciled area until it's evenly coated with paint. Daub on a single paint color until all areas of the stencil requiring that color are coated.
- 5
  Allow the paint to dry completely for 30 minutes to one hour. Using a clean dauber, apply the next color required for the stencil, if applicable. Repeat the process until all colors have been applied.
- 6
  Peel the stencil from the wall after all the paint has dried completely. Wipe away any adhesive residue from the wall with a damp cloth.

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