Today I'll show you a special stencil technique layering paint colors that will give you an unbelievably beautiful stenciled design. I learned this technique a few years ago in my trial and error painting days.
Stencil Technique Layering Paint Colors
Our den is decorated in the deep, rich, colors of Fall. You guys know how much I love color. No Farmhouse style here.
The cedar chest is a thrifty find from my favorite junk shop. The chest was topless and a little beat up but for $7 who’s complaining.
The color I chose is Spanish Moss in FolkArt Home Decor Chalk. I love the ultra-matte finish of the chalk finish.
The FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Brush is one of my favorite tools. It holds a lot of paint and usually one coat does the trick.
The paint levels out nicely too. No brush marks.
For added glam I decided on a large wall/furniture stencil for the side of the chest. The FolkArt Home Decor Peony Stencil is just gorgeous and I knew the perfect color combo to take it over-the-top.
I don’t want you guys to freak out or anything, but I cut the stencil in two. I know….but it’s okay. I still have both parts! To position the stencil for the best effect I needed to cut it. Some of you may have a work around but this worked best for me. I taped down the outer edges of the stencil with painters tape.
Now comes the really cool part. Metallic Paint. The shinier the better I say. I selected three FolkArt Acrylic Metallic paint colors; Solid Bronze, Copper, and Antique Gold for the project.
FolkArt Solid Bronze Metallic Paint
How to Stencil:
1. Pour paints onto a paper plate.
2. Dip stencil brush into paint.
3. Wipe the brush on a paper towel until almost dry.
4. Stencil by pouncing on the surface to be stenciled.
The first color I stenciled with is the Solid Bronze. Sometimes I swirl the stencil brush but with the highly detailed stencil, pouncing worked best. I didn’t cover the stenciled area completely. Remember we have 3 metallic paint colors for the job.
The edges of the stencil I couldn’t tape down I held in place with my free hand. I don’t normally use stencil adhesive but you certainly can.
FolkArt Antique Gold Metallic Paint
Add Depth To The Stencil
Once the first color was dry I applied the Antique Gold. Don’t try to paint all areas of the stencil evenly. It will look more realistic to use a random color pattern.
FolkArt Copper Metallic Paint
I applied the Copper color as the finishing touch for the stencil. Or so I thought. Once the paint was dry and I stepped back to look at my work I knew it needed something else. The metallic colors were beautiful but the flower didn’t seem to have the depth I was looking for.
FolkArt Acrylic Paint in Burnt Umber
I pulled out a dark acrylic paint called Burnt Umber and poured a little bit onto the paper plate. I stenciled the paint along the outer edge of the flower and a few other areas. Again using a random pattern with the paint.
And the pretty peony turned out just like I envisioned. The peony stencil is such a lovely design. I can see it on a white wall stenciled in metallic silver. Wouldn’t that be dramatic.
I painted the cedar chest so I would have a place to store my pillows. The colors of the stencil are so pretty against the leaf print of the pillows and the recliner.
The stencil took about 30 minutes to complete. Really. Do you see how layering paint colors gives the stencil depth and texture? Some stencils come with two or three sheets used to get this effect. You really just need one stencil.
I decided against using a sealer or wax over the paint. I like the contrast of the metallics against the matte chalk. What’s your favorite part of the project? Don’t be shy.
Thanks for being here, Kathy
Hannah
This looks so charming! what a great DIY
Jamie
That is beautiful! What a great gift idea for a friend of mine. 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
sandi magle
Absolutely gorgeous....really those are my colors to...Thanks for the inspiration here, Sandi
gail
Beautiful job Kathy! It never occurred to me to layer while stenciling! duh!
Thanks for a great tutorial and sharing at Talk of the Town!
gail
Amy Latta
Three of my favorite things...painted furniture, metallics, and big bold stencils! Nicely done!
Kathy Owen
Thanks Amy!
Miz Marsha in TN
I love this make over. I wish I had a place for a chest like this to store blankets and pillows in my den. The layered paint method was beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Naomi S.
That is very beautiful! Thanks for the little tutorial. I'm thinking I will explore the Plaid folks. Thanks for the very useful post!
Michelle West Singleton
One word WOW. On my after Christmas make something pretty List
Marie from The Interior Frugalista
What a stunning makeover, Kathy! Love the color combinations and the gorgeous peony stencil. Pinning to my Stencil How To board and Chest and Trunks board.
Gracie Redfield
I love the cedar chest---the colors are perfect! I wondered if you were going to add a top, but it isn't at all necessary. The chest looks gorgeous as a pillow holder!
Jamie
I love everything about it! Thanks for sharing!
Gwen C
I love that chest! Your paint job is perfect.
Jan Cole
This is an amazing job! I love your choice of colors! It blew me away when I saw it! I'm going to do this on an old cedar chest that my dad made in 1943! It has the lid so I might carry the design from the top down the side. What is your thinking on this. I'm new to this, but the bug bite me hard. Thanks for your advice!
Jan
Paula Watkins
You'd never know the technique is that easy - this is gorgeous! I love it!
Angela
I can't wait to try this technique - it's just beautiful...thanks for the great instructions!
vicki
what a great job you did on this project. Very much screams "Fall!"
Angie Walsh
Wow Kathy it looks awesone, what great look!
Suzee Bain
Love the colors, love the chair, love the project! I am inspired!
Linda
Love this! Beautiful work. I also will be looking for some sort of a box to store pillows!
Rebecca Nelson
Kathy, that is exquisite! I love learning and this was great to read. The piece turned out beautifully.
Cindy
Love the colors you chose and looks great with your décor. I enjoy stenciling and mixing different colors it makes the stencil come alive.
Cindy
Laura Werley
Wow, great inspiration for me! I love the colors, the positioning of the stencil and I love the size and detail (like the feet) of the trunk. Great job, Kathy!
EFFIE CARROLL
Beautiful job. I can see this stencil used on the doors of a wardrobe used to hold quilts and pillows too.
Nancy
What a fantastic idea to use that chest for pillows. When it's just my husband and me, the pillows are lovely. But when all the family is here they are a nuisance!
The stenciling is lovely. I love the way you positioned it. Thanks for the tips too.
rose l.
I love how you did the peony stencil. Very lovely!
Carol
Oh Kathy, this is gorgeous. So, so pretty!