Wallpaper looks excellent and is currently enjoying a renaissance. And for those of us fed up with residential house painting, it makes quite a change.
If you’re bored of bland walls and house painting in general and are seduced by the thought of flock-lined wallpaper, then you may be only too happy to hang up your painters’ brush and head for the rolls.
However, wallpaper is expensive and fiddly to fit. If you are not an expert (and few of us are), then the alternative is to shell out for a professional.
This adds dollars to your design budget and if you already rejected house painting because of the professional cost, you will be even more out of pocket.
So, is there a way to innovate with your interior walls without it breaking the bank? Well, yes, there is, and it is called a stencil.
As a designer, this is the perfect way to renovate a room without giving it an expensive overhaul. And it comes in far cheaper than wallpaper.
How to stencil a wall
If you are a beginner, you might be daunted by daubing on your walls. By following these simple tips, you will decorate your walls like a pro without the cost.
What type of paint to use
There are no hard and fast rules about what sort of paints to use here, many will be used for residential house painting.
Technically speaking, there are many types of different paints used for stencils. These are:
Acrylics
Acrylics are our first choice for so many stencil projects. This is because they have a great variety of options and clean well. They also will not break the bank, adding to the appeal for anyone on a budget.
Chalks
Chalk paints are trendy for stencils as it makes it easy for even an amateur to create a distressed look very merely. Chalks may be used on furniture pieces as well as walls.
Crèmes
Stencil crèmes are a waxy oil-based paint. This has the advantage of not dripping and it makes it easy to work with. To apply a stencil crème, you must take the wax layer from the paint’s surface before applying it to your brush. Stencil crèmes are best where a gentle focus and hand-painted look is required.
Fabrics
Fabric paints are very thick and lend themselves well to stencils. However, you will use more color than some other types because they are so absorbent. Fabric paints are recommended for fabric stencils.
Sprays
Spray paints may be the obvious choice for stenciling, but we would have to advise caution. The inexpert stenciler can quickly become messy and bleed out of the area they are meant for.
They also require adequate ventilation and might be best for outdoor spaces or when you feel confident enough.
Solid Oils
Solid oil paints look like crayons and have the advantage that they don’t spill. Because they are like drawing with a crayon, some people like them more. However, if you do pick this method, remember that they take some time to dry and you will not be able to use a roller with them but have to use a brush. This can be more time consuming, but the results are pleasing.
Latex
Latex is an excellent choice for big shapes and stencils on large walls. Latex paints are also great for those on a budget. They have the added advantage of drying fast, but they do not cure quickly. This means when you take off the stencil, bits of paint may peel off too. Care needs to be taken using latex paints to get the best of them.
What can I stencil?
ANYTHING can be stenciled – wood, furniture, walls, tiles, exterior painting and even appliances!
The only limitations are your skill level and imagination!