How to Paint Walls in the Kitchen With a Sunflower Border

Measure the walls to figure out the total length of the stenciled border. Measure the width of the sunflower stencil. Figure out how many sunflowers to stencil, based on the desired distance between flowers. Cut out the left edge of the stencil to match up with petals on the right side of the sunflower, so you will know exactly where to place your stencil.

Begin in a corner that is not very prominent. Use tabs of low-tack tape to hold your stencil in place. Alternatively, apply spray adhesive to the back of the stencil.

Mix acrylic paint to create desired colors. Warm, deep yellow is the most iconic color for sunflower petals, but they also come in shades of orange, red or brown. Dark brown and black are the most common colors for the center of a mature sunflower.

Coat a stencil brush with a small amount of yellow paint. Apply the paint to the petals of the stencil with a gentle, bouncing motion. Pay close attention to the edges of the petals, to make crisp shapes.

Apply dark paint to the center of the sunflower. Be very careful not to get this dark paint on the yellow petals. Use a stencil brush or a make-up sponge.

Take the stencil off the wall. Wipe off the back of the stencil, if necessary. Reposition the stencil, fitting the cut-out shapes on the left side of the stencil with the petals on the last flower you stenciled.

Stencil all of the sunflowers, following the same procedure. Wipe the stencil off with a damp rag from time to time. Replace the tape or spray adhesive, as necessary.

Assess the remaining space on the wall before stenciling the last handful of sunflowers. Adjust the distance between sunflowers if you have more or less space left than you expected.

Wash brushes and tools with soap and water.