When it comes to stenciling, many think of doing this project on walls, some pieces of furniture, and clothes, but not to floors. Stenciling your floor may become the latest trend in home decorating. Floor stenciling would work in the same manner as stenciling walls. If you have never stenciled anything before, you will want to practice before starting this project.
Materials Needed for Floor Stenciling
Floor Stencils
Paint
Brush or sponges
Paper towels or other cleanup rags
Water based clear polyurethane
Repositional stencil adhesive spray
Where to Purchase Floor Stencils, Paint, and Other Supplies
Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
Lowe’s has two styles of floor and wall stencils that anyone can use. Stencil Ease.
Fleur de Lis Wallpaper & Floor Stencil and Stencil Ease Harlequin Wallpaper & Floor Stencil both comes with instructions and a practice board. The Stencil Ease Harlequin Wallpaper & Floor Stencil would be the best choice for using as a stenciling project for your floor. The cost of the stencil packages at Lowe’s are $19.98 each.
You will, however, need to purchase the repositional stencil adhesive spray, paint and applicators separately. The repositional stencil adhesive spray at Lowe’s costs $5.56 for a 4.4 ounce can. With the spray you may need to purchase more than one can depend on the size of the floor area being done.
Any type of paint will work for this project. However, using sea sponges, any type of stenciling applicator or rag will for applying the paint. You will also need a paint rolling pan to work with the paint. This will allow the paint application in the stencil areas to be easier to manage rather than using the paint straight from the can.
Note: Lowe’s has a floor stencil how-to sheet listed on their site here.
You can find a variety of paints and colors at Benjamin Moore Paint Stores. You can find the sponges, applicators, and cotton rags at these paint stores.
Online Floor Stencil Purchases
Several sites sell floor stencils. Many sites have a variety of floor stencils from which to choose.
Setting Up Your Floor for Stenciling
You will need to remove any furniture out of the area you are wanting to stencil. Sweep and mop the floor thoroughly before starting. Make sure to let the floor dry before starting.
Map out the direction that the floor stenciling will flow. This will be one of the most important steps of the stenciling process. Mark off the corners of the stencils with a pencil that you can erase the marks. This will allow you to know where each section of the floor stenciling will take place.
Stenciling the Floor
NOTE: You will need to have your windows open during all steps of stenciling your floor. Keeping the area you are working in well ventilated will ensure your health and safety.
Spray the back of the stencil with the repositional adhesive spray. Lay the floor stencil flush in the corner of the room.
Make sure that you thoroughly mix the paint you are using before opening the container. When no one mixes the paint, it can cause an odd coloration and leave streaking.
After you have thoroughly mixed the paint, pour a small amount into a paint roller pan. Dab paint onto the sponge, brush or rag. Tap the painting tool you are using onto the other end of the pan to remove any excessive paint.
Start stenciling the area in the upper right-hand corner and move across and then down the stencil. You could also start in the upper right -hand corner and work along the wall area. If you choose this method, always start at the top of the stencil again.
After approximately three different floor stencilings, wipe off the top of the stencil. This will allow you to have a smoother and more even floor stencil pattern.
Once you have completed the pattern on the floor you want, let the floor dry completely. After the floor paint is completely dry, sweep the entire floor again to remove any dust or other particles. This is important for the next step.
This step requires polyuerathaning the entire floor. By placing polyurethane on the floor, this will seal over the stenciling that you have done. Also, if you have just stenciled around the wall area of the floor, by polyuerathaning the entire floor it will allow for a level and smooth finish across the floor. Allow the polyurethane to dry before moving your furniture back in completely or walking on the floor.
