How to Stencil Faux Wallpaper

This beautiful stencil pattern can be as straightforward or as complex
as you desire.

Faux Wallpaper Stencil
Faux wallpaper adds vibrant flair to any room.

Skill Level: Advanced beginner
Time Needed: 6-8 hours per wall, depending on room size
Stencil Design: Download the Faux Wallpaper as a PDF.

Instructions

Step One: To prepare the wall, basecoat with latex paint. For greater depth and visual interest, lightly sponge another shade of paint over the first to create a mottled effect.

Step Two: Use a plumb line and level to plot out the stripes ahead of time, ensuring a straight, professional look. It's best to mark the entire wall before you actually start stenciling, so corrections can be made before paint is applied. Measure and mark the spacing for each stripe, and mask the stripes off with painter's tape. (Our stripes are 1/4 inch wide and are set eight inches apart.)

Step Three: You may find it helps to use graph paper to plan the spacing of the motifs. Determine the distance between the motifs (ours are 20 inches apart vertically, and the height is staggered every other row). Make a light pencil mark on the wall where each motif will be placed.

Step Four: Once you're happy with the placement, begin stenciling. Shade the edges of the motifs with a darker paint for a more dimensional look.

If you have a fancy for felines, you'll love the Kitty Floorcloth in the final section.

Have another stencil project in mind? See: