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Stenciling Directions from Ace Paint

Recreate Ace Paint's stencil design as seen in Martha Stewart Living, This Old House, Traditional Home, Family Handyman, Parents, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Southern Living, Sunset, Coastal Living, Midwest Living and Real Simple magazines.

Materials Needed

  • Royal Touch Satin Wall and Trim Paint tinted to Yuma 44-B
  • Royal Accent Satin Colors Paint tinted to Copper Penny 47-A
  • Mylar Stencil(s) (We used Plaid Make Your Own Stencils)
  • Stencil Patterns (click here:diamond, fleur-de-lis)
  • X-acto knife #11
  • Cutting mat
  • Repositionable spray adhesive (like Elmer's Spray Adhesive)
  • 4 foam paint brushes
  • Masking tape
  • 150 weight sand paper
  • Blue shop towels or paper towels
  • Optional: Royal Accent Tintable Primer tinted to Copper Penny 47-A

Make Your Own Stencils

On your laser or ink jet printer, print out the fleur-de-lis and diamond patterns provided. The sizes can be enlarged on a copier if necessary. Center your 3-diamond pattern on a blank mylar stencil affixing it with repositionable spray adhesive. Using a firm, single stroke, cut through both laser print and mylar stencil with an X-acto knife. (Remember you can always go back and follow your line to cut through deeper.)

Now, on a separate mylar stencil center the fleur-de-lis pattern and cut. Note you can use the same fleur-de-lis stencil for the double image riser.

Stenciling Stair Risers

Note: The stair steps in our ad are unpainted wood that's been varnished to allow the wood's natural color and beauty to show. (Two to three coats of Ace Great Finishes Polyurethane will provide lasting durability.) If you prefer to paint your steps, use Ace Royal Floor Paint in Satin or Gloss finish tinted to the color of your choice. Before starting: Practice on cardboard or scrap wood before beginning your stencil project. This will build your confidence and help master your technique. Keep paper towels handy for dabbing away drips.

1. Paint your risers alternating colors. The existing color of your floor or carpet may influence your beginning color. We started with Yuma 44-B on the bottom riser then alternated with Copper Penny 47-A. On risers that are very dark or have been previously painted with a hard-to-cover color, prime first using Ace Accent Tintable Primer that's been custom mixed to match the finish coat. Allow the base coat of paint on the risers to dry.

2. Measure the width of the riser and mark its center lightly with a pencil. Use that marking to center the first stencil. Spray the back of the fleur-de-lis stencil with the spray adhesive. Position stencil so the center of fleur-de-lis is at the pencil mark. Press firmly so the stencil stays in place. Have ready 4 Tbs. of paint in a saucer (opposite color of the one used on the step), and a sponge brush. Dip the sponge brush into the paint, but do not overload it, wipe any excess to the side of the saucer. Gently dab the color into the stencil. Aim for all-over distribution of the paint, but don't be too worried about achieving an even texture. It adds character to the final look. When done, carefully peel away the stencil.

3. Position the 3-diamond stencil to the right of the fleur-de-lis using the spray adhesive to hold it in place and repeat the painting process. Move the diamond stencil to the left and repeat this process. (remember not to overlap the stencil on the newly painted fleur-de-lis until dry.)

4. Wipe the stencil with a shop towel and repeat as shown in the ad.

5. If desired, when the paint has had time to cure (approx. 4hrs) simply sand the newly stenciled images to give an aged look......congratulations you did it!

Note: living room wall color is Dragon's Hide 117-C

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