How To Stencil On Wood

How do you stencil on wood? I found this little table at a thrift store and was challenged to up-cycle it. I used a stencil and loved how it turned out. Below is a step-by-step tutorial showing you how I used this simple technique to refurbish this inexpensive table. This is an easy way to update a piece of wood furniture or any wood surface with a stenciled design.

Here is the original table that I found at the thrift store. The first thing I did was clean the table and glass.

Materials Needed for this project

• Paint
• Stencil
• Stencil Brush
• Optional – Stencil Tape

How To Stencil On Wood Video

Steps for Stenciling

I painted the base color on the table with Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Silver Shadow. Chalk paint is one of my favorite paints to use for DIY projects. I gave it one coat, then for the best results, I let that dry completely before adding a second coat.

While the table top was drying I painted the legs with Folk Art Home Decor Wood Tint in white. I painted it on, and then wiped off the excess. Full disclosure this was my first attempt and although very pretty, it wasn’t the look I was going for. I decided to paint the legs with Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color white.

Once everything was dry, it was time to stencil. I placed the stencil design on the table in the center and secured the stencil with stencil tape. This would prevent the stencil from moving around while I was working with it.

I dipped my stenciling brush into the paint, and then I tapped it on a paper plate to get rid of as much excess paint as possible. This is an important step, it’s the best way to prevent paint bleed underneath the edges of the stencil and ensure that you have crisp lines. Once I had just a small amount of paint I tapped the stencil brush onto the table and stencil. I continued tapping until I got the look I wanted. When I ran out of paint, I dipped the brush into the paint, offloaded the paint onto the paper plate, then continued tapping on the stencil.

Once I got the entire stencil covered, I carefully peeled up the stencil.

I checked to make sure there wasn’t wet paint on the back of the stencil, and I moved it to a new spot on the table and taped it down. You want to make sure you are working with clean stencils. I was careful not to place anything on the painted stencil while it was drying.

I continued around the entire table. Once everything was stenciled I let it dry completely.

I placed the glass top back on the table and it was ready to be used.

How To Stencil On Wood Video

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You can use acrylic paint or chalk paint for a project like this.

• I have been known to blot my paintbrush on a paper towel.
• If you don’t want to use painter’s tape you can use a spray adhesive on the back of your stencil.
• Some people prefer a foam brush or paint brushes over a stencil brush.
• You can make your own custom stencils if you prefer.
• You can spray paint over stencils.
• Be aware of uneven surfaces or rough wood to make sure you get in all of the grooves.
• Be careful when getting to the edge of the stencil so that you don’t accidentally paint where you don’t want to.

I would love to invite you to my YouTube channel and you can see many of my DIY videos there as well.

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