How to Use Stencils for Wall Decor

Prepare and dry the wall surface before stenciling. The wall should be as flat and as smooth as possible. Perform all preparations, including filling holes and cracks, and sanding and painting, before you begin stenciling.

Decide what stencils and what colors of paint you want to use on the wall, and how many brushes you will need before you start stenciling. Make sure all the items you need to create the wall image are at hand and decide where you will place the stencil patterns on the wall.

Use a tape measure to center the stencils where you will paint the image and mark the locations with a pencil, if using the stencil on a large area. Place the level against the wall where you will paint the images and make level marks with the pencil. Place the bottom of the stencils on the straight-line marks and use stencil adhesive to secure them to the wall.

Make sure the paint is thick and the sponge paintbrush is dry. Paint a thin, even coat of paint in all openings of the stencils, using downward strokes and dabbing motions around the edges. Let the paint dry, and then repeat this process as many times as needed or until the desired coverage is reached. After the paint has dried completely, remove the stencils.