If you’ve ever wondered about applying stencils for wood, this article proves how easy it is to turn ordinary furniture, such as an IKEA step stool, into statement pieces. Wood stencils are a great way to upgrade your home on a budget and create personalized wood pieces for gifts.
1. Gather your supplies
- Wooden furniture. I used an IKEA step stool
- Stencil. I used a paisley design
- Chalky Paint by Americana Decor
- Deco Art craft paint
- Brushes for painting and stenciling
- Painter’s tape (optional)
2. Prepare the step stool
Before starting the stencil job, make sure the surface is clean and smooth. Clean the step stool and lightly sand it if necessary, in order to ensure a dust-free surface without any irregularities.
3. Paint the step stool (optional)
IKEA step stools are unpainted by default. If you want to use them raw, just skip this step and move on to stenciling. Otherwise, you can paint the stool to refresh its look.
My step stool was already involved in a previous paint job, so I had to apply three coats of chalky paint and allow each layer to dry thoroughly.
3. Apply your stencil
Place the stencil in the desired spot, whether the top surface, steps, sides, or all over. If there are multiple stencil parts, secure them on the step stool with painter’s tape.
Carefully apply the Deco Art craft paint using a dab of paint – saturating the paintbrush might result in bleeding under the stencil, so you will have to clean it and start all over again. Follow the packaging instructions to allow the paint time enough time to dry.
4. Make your stencil design distressed (optional)
The distressing technique adds an extra layer of texture and a more vintage feel to your wood project. Using the same Deco Art craft paint applied to the stencil design, lightly rub it over the dried chalky paint. The key here is subtlety since you want the distressing effect to be noticeable but not overwhelming.
5. Make the finishing touches
Finish your wood stenciling project by lightly distressing the entire stool for a cohesive, worn-out look. This step will blend all the elements together to give your stool a professional, polished appearance.
Care and maintenance
To maintain the beauty of your stenciled IKEA step stool, clean it gently with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners. If needed, a fresh coat of sealant can help protect the paint and stencil work from wear and tear.
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