Learn how to stencil a perfect, clean design on wood! This simple technique is easy and allows you to customize just about anything!
Look around any home decor store and you will find a beautiful wooden tray, sign, or piece of holiday decor that has been stenciled. The layered style of paint and wood creates an aesthetic that appeals to most styles of decor. It has been particularly popular within the farmhouse style, but it works well with so much more than that!
This is one of the easiest looks to create on your own. You just need a few supplies and a little bit of time to make any piece of work your own!
Materials Needed to Stencil on Wood
- Stencil of your choosing
- Paint
- Glue
- Spray Adhesive
- Wedge Sponge
How to Stencil on Wood Without Bleeding
A common issue when stenciling is bleed through. This occurs when the paint spreads into areas just beyond the stencil creating a blurry edge, instead of a perfectly clean, crisp edge. This can be especially difficult when stenciling on rough wood. However, there are a few things you can do to create a perfect, clean look everytime.
- Create a smooth surface. If the wood is rough, lightly sand the wood to create a smooth finish. Avoid stenciling areas of the wood that have grooves and imperfections.
- Crisp and clean. Clean the surface diligently before stenciling. After cleaning you can do a quick once over with a blow dryer to make sure the tiniest particles are removed.
- Create a bond. This is essential, the stencil and the wood need to be bonded together in order to prevent any paint from seeping through. I use a light coating of spray adhesive and mod podge glue to create a bond that is not easily broken!
Easy Stenciling Projects
Now that you know all the tips and tricks to create the perfect stenciling project you will find tons of ways to use this! You can create holiday signs, a unique door hanger, or even update your flooring by stenciling a cool design! Any of these projects will work using this same method.
One of my favorite projects is this DIY Wooden Tray. This is a wonderful gift idea because you can customize it so it perfectly reflects the recipients personality. I stenciled the word “Gather” on my trays, but you could add an initial, saying or design.
Another project are these Scrap Wood Pumpkins. I stenciled the face on each of the pumpkins, and they make the perfect Fall porch decoration!
Other Easy DIY Projects
You may be looking for other ways to get creative and I’ve got tons of easy projects for DIY’ers of any level! Some of my favorites include:
- DIY Grow Light: A beautiful frame with a built in shelf and LED light for plants!
- An Easy DIY Raised Bed: Perfect for beginner or advanced gardeners!
- Plant Pedestals: Could also be used for decor.
How to Stencil on Wood
Equipment
Materials
- Stencil
- Paint
- Piece of wood
- Glue
- Spray adhesive
- Wedge sponge
Instructions
- Step 1. Make sure the area you plan to stencil is clean and free of debris. Rough wood will be problematic, a smooth surface is your friend. Apply a light coat of aerosol spray adhesive to the back of your stencil, place the stencil then use a credit card or straight edge to secure all areas of the spencil.
- Step 2. Apply a light coat of Mod Podge glue to prevent the paint from bleeding under the stencil. I use a wedge sponge to apply the glue this allows me to better apply the glue along the edges of the stencil. Clean the sponge with water to later apply the paint.
- Step 3. After the glue has set-up, maybe 10 minutes. Begin using the sponge to apply the paint, before going to the stencil first pat the sponge on a plate or towel to spread the paint around on the sponge this will prevent blogs of paint from being applied to the stencil.
- Step 4. Allow about 7 to 10 minutes for the paint to set up, then carefully peel off the stencil. I have found that not allowing the paint to dry prevents the paint from staying on the stencil instead of the object being painted.
- Step 5. Cleanup is a simple process but handle the stencil with care. I have found placing the stencil on a flat surface and running water while lightly brushing the stencil with a toothbrush does a good job cleaning without bending the stencil.
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