How to Create a Wallpaper Pattern Using Stencils

Creating a wallpaper pattern using stencils gives you visual interest without the investment of actual wallpaper. Unlike wallpaper, stenciled walls can easily be painted over, giving the room a fresh look once you tire of the stencil pattern. Although there is a large investment of time in this project, the actual cost of materials is quite low when compared to the cost of purchasing wallpaper for an average sized room.

Step 1: Paint the base coat of color onto your walls. Ideally, you will have a light colored base and a darker stencil color. This will make it easier to paint and cover the wall. If you do decide to reverse the color, or have deeply contrasting colors, expect to use more than one coat of paint when applying the stenciled areas. Let the paint dry before proceeding.

Step 2: Snap a chalk line grid on the wall that delineates the exact footprint of the stencil. Make sure that the lines are plumb using a carpenter's level.

TIP: Use a chalk line with a color that is close to the base coat, but one that you can still see while working. Also, be sure to create a grid that is the same size as the pattern of the stencil, not the stencil itself.

Step 3: Place the stencil in the first box of the grid. Start at a bottom corner, to allow you time to develop your technique. Tape the stencil into place using blue painter's tape.

Step 4: Using a foam brush or roller, apply the paint over the stencil and into the exposed areas. Be sure to get an even coat that completely covers the base coat. If necessary, you may add a second coat of paint almost immediately after adding the first coat.

Step 5: Carefully remove the stencil, making sure not to smudge the wall. Clean the stencil with a damp cloth and dry completely.

Step 6: Reuse the stencil on the wall next to the area you just painted. Continue until the pattern covers the wall like wallpaper.