How to Use Stencils on Your Cabinet Doors

Wash your cabinets with trisodium phosphate (TSP) to be sure they are clean and free of grease. Paint will not adhere to grease and the surface must be dry before painting.

Spray the back of your stencil with the adhesive. Press it onto the cabinet doors according to the design you desire.

Squeeze a dollop of craft paint onto a plate. Dip the end of the stencil brush into the paint and swirl the brush around in a circle on a clean part of the plate.

Fold the paper towel into quarters. Remove most of the paint from your brush by swirling it around on the paper towel so that your stencil brush is almost dry.

Stencil in small circles with your first color. Add pressure where you want emphasis, such as near the outer edges of the design. Keep a lighter touch in the middle to create a three-dimensional quality.

Repeat this process with each new color you are adding to your design. Because you are stenciling with a very dry brush, you can move quickly from color to color. Let the design dry for an hour when finished.

Paint a thin coat of clear polyurethane varnish over the cabinet door fronts to protect your design. When dry, sand gently with steel wool. Dust the door and paint another coat of varnish to the door.