I am going to admit something before I even start to write this post. I was completely opposed to even the thought of using a stencil when painting prior to creating this project. I had the idea that it would mean that my artistic talents were not enough. I am happy to say that through the creating of this second homework station for an appearance on FOX News, I have grown as a designer. I am now a fan of the stencil. I am excited to share tips for using a stencil with Chalky Finish paint. The outcome of the Button Alphabet stencil on the table, the clipboards, the sign and the containers is super fun. The girls who received the homework station as a Back to School gift LOVE it. This post is sponsored by DecoArt but the ideas and opinions are mine. Be sure to take note of the Six Tips for Using Stencils.
Before getting started with stencil tips, know that the entire homework station is in a prior post HERE.
If you want to watch the segment on air (FOX News 31 Denver), you can watch it HERE.
Okay, let’s stencil. To get a great result, you will need the following supplies and materials.
- DecoArt Chalky Finish Paint (I used Reminisce and Yesteryear)
- DecoArt Americana Stencil (Button Alphabet)
- DecoArt Stencil Brushes
- DecoArt Creme Wax
- Lint Free Cloth
Before placing stencil, make sure the painted surface is completely dry! Position stencil. Use stencil brush to paint inside the open area.
Six Tips for Using Stencils:
- DON’T use too much paint. It only take a tiny bit on the end of the brush to make it work out.
- USE a combination of dabs and paint strokes to fill in the open areas, mostly dabs.
- GO slow.
- ANGLE brush to get into the edges.
- CAREFULLY peel the stencil away, starting with a corner!
- WASH stencil carefully right after use if you plan to reuse it.
The stencil made all of the pieces in the Homework Station so personal and unique. The clipboards for Caitlin and Emily have a coat of Glamour Dust on top of the Chalky Finish paint to make them shimmer.
The stenciled message board is really awesome too!
Once all of the paint is dry, use a lint free cloth to apply the creme wax to seal and finish your pieces.
YAY. I mean SUPER YAY for stencils. Now that is something I never thought I would state. I hope these Six Tips for Using Stencils encourages you to give it a try.
Cheers,
Laura