How to use wall stencils

Feeling creative? Follow these five steps to give your walls a unique update that will wow.

What you’ll need:

Tools needed to paint for stenciling

Paint:

Emulsion

Essentials:

Brush
Paper
Pencil and measuring tape
Scissors or Stanley knife
Masking tape

1. Choose a stencil

Choosing a stencil

There is an abundance of stencils available for free online. So it’s easy to find a pattern that will complement the look you’re going for and be perfect for your room.

2. Prepare your stencil

Preparing a stencil

Once you’ve found something you like, print it and cut out the shape with a Stanley knife.

Top tip: Before you get stenciling, check your wall is free of cracks, lumps and bumps.

3. Secure your stencil

Securing a stencil to the wall

Attach your stencil to the wall using masking tape to hold it in the correct position. If you’re planning to repeat the stencil, plan it out before starting and make small guide dots to help you.

4. Get painting

Applying paint to stencil

Dip the brush into the paint and tap onto a paper towel a few times until you have removed any excess paint. The brush should be quite dry to get a crisp stencil effect. Put the brush against the stencil and tap the paint into the stencil design. Tap continuously until the desired depth of color is achieved. You can also try swirling the brush in the stencil for a slightly different effect.