- 1). Purchase a border stencil. Note whether the stencil has a right and wrong side, and mark the side to stencil against with a permanent marker. The smooth side is the correct side, as it will not hold paint buildup. Note that border stencils have registration marks, which are small punched holes that help align the stencil pattern as you paint the border around your room.
- 2). Spray the back of your border stencil with canned spray adhesive according to the package directions. Spray lightly to avoid residue. One spray may hold the stencil through two applications, so do not reapply until necessary.
- 3). Position your border stencil at the left end of one wall to begin. Select a wall that has the least noticeable corner, as this is where your start and stop will occur and may not be perfect. Lightly press on the stencil, adhering it to the wall. Ensure that all the cutouts are flush with the wall to avoid paint seepage under the stencil.
- 4). Pour a small amount of acrylic paint onto a disposable plate. Start with the lightest color in your design first, or work in the order suggested in the stencil directions. Dip the flat end of your stencil brush bristles lightly into the appropriate paint color, collecting just a small amount of paint on only the flat end. Do not load up the brush with paint. Wipe all excess paint onto a clean paper towel by brushing the end of the brush against the paper, until all loose paint is either absorbed into the bristles or left on the paper towel.
- 5). Tap the flat end of the stencil brush up and down along the outside edges of the stencil cutout, and work from the outside edge of each hole toward the center. This will give you the dark-to-light progression, outside to center, indicative of stenciled items. Continue until all areas within the stencil calling for that color are complete. Wrap that stencil brush in plastic to avoid it drying out until you use it again.
- 6). Load a second stencil brush with the next paint color as indicated in the stencil directions or moving to the next shade within your design. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until all areas using that color within the design are complete. Repeat with all remaining colors, with the stencil firmly in place at all times.
- 7). Remove your border stencil from the wall. Check the adhesive and reapply a light coat if necessary. Using the registration marks as a guide, reposition the stencil to the right of the completed stenciled design and gently press into place. Repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6.
- 8). Repeat all steps, working your way completely around your room. Continue your border around the corners by gently folding the plastic stencil into the area, ensuring contact with the wall with the spray adhesive. Plan the end of the border as you approach so that it is as least noticeable as possible.
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