How to Paint a Tray Ceiling Using Stencils

Tape around the edge of the tray ceiling. Decide if you only want to paint the central panel of a tray ceiling or if you want to include the inside ledge of the ceiling as well. Place a drop cloth under the area you are painting.

Paint the background color of the ceiling. Use a pale powder blue for a sky mural. Roll on two coats of paint with a paint roller. Fill in the edges with a brush.

Choose stencils that are appropriate for your theme. Use cloud stencils in a range of sizes for a sky mural. Include some flower stencils to add garlands, if desired. Scrolls and other designs hint at architectural structures.

Spray a coat of adhesive on the back of your stencils. Allow the adhesive to dry for a few minutes. They will have a tacky finish.

Mix acrylic paint colors on plastic plates for your first layer of stencils. If you are painting a sky fresco, you will stencil the clouds first.

Stick a stencil to the ceiling. The adhesive should allow it to adhere by itself.

Dip a makeup sponge in paint. Blot off excess paint on a rag. Gently tap the sponge to the exposed area of the stencil. If you are painting clouds, keep the application soft and airy. Some of the background color should show through.

Remove the stencil. Wipe it off with a rag. Switch to another stencil to give your surface a varied look. Continue stenciling until the first layer is finished.

Mix colors for your next layer of stencils. Mix small amounts of paint as you need them, due to acrylic paint's rapid drying time. Use a different sponge when you switch to a new color.

Paint in the areas of accent stencils. Make any final corrections. If necessary, you can paint over mistakes with the background paint.