Lace can be Used as an Elegant Decorating Stencil

Introduction to Lace Stenciling - One really beautiful and simple way to do-it-yourself in decorating is to use lace as a stencil. Lace is available with designs that repeat across the entire piece of fabric, and with varied designs at intervals. When using lace as a stencil, one piece may be used, or multiple pieces may be used to create your own design. The easiest way I have found to use lace as a stencil is to use spray paint, and to place the lace on a horizontal surface. Those who are really adept at using spray paint on vertical surfaces without leaving drips can use it on walls.

Prep Work

Before beginning, make sure your entire work area is protected, as spray paint will go onto areas around the surface you are painting. Use tarps, drop cloths, or newspaper.

If you will be doing your stenciling in sections, be sure to securely tape newspaper to the sections you are not working on to protect them.

Remember that solid features in your lace will not show up as the color of the paint you are spraying onto the lace. The solid features in your lace will display on your project as the color of your project surface. Only the open features of your lace will display with your paint color onto your project.

If you want the solid designs in your lace to show up in color on your project there is a way to do this. For example, if you want the solid flower designs in your lace to show up on your surface as pink flowers on a lacey cream background, you will need to first paint the surface of your project pink. Once it is dry, lay down the lace, and use cream-colored spray paint to add the rest of the design from the lace to your surface. When you remove the lace, your surface will be cream colored with pink flowers.

Getting Started

To begin stenciling, simply lay the lace down on the horizontal surface, taking care to position the design as you want it to appear. Tape the top end of the lace, and then smooth the lace carefully. Secure the bottom end of the lace with tape. Carefully smooth the lace again. Tape each side, carefully smoothing as you go. You want the lace to be completely flush with the surface. Do not secure the lace tautly as this will slightly lift it off the surface. This will make the lace ineffective as a stencil.

Turn your can of spray paint upside down, and shake it well. Then, holding the can right side up and the recommended distance away from your project (8-12 inches), with flowing motions that move side to side, carefully and lightly spray paint your project. You will need to make several passes over each area to get complete coverage. Use a light touch so as not to create paint splotches and drips.

When done, carefully remove the lace stencil. Do not allow the lace to remain on the project while it dries, or it may stick to the project and rip away some of the paint when removed.

Touch-Ups

While the paint is still wet, carefully look over your design. You may need to use a fine paintbrush or razor blade to correct small mistakes. To touch up areas, spray some paint into a small container and dab the end of the paintbrush into it. Use the paintbrush to fill in misses areas. To clean up edges, carefully use the edge of the razor blade to 'wipe' away the excess paint. You do not want to cut your project, but you do want a fine crisp line around the edges of your design. Anything that will give you that kind of precision and control may be substituted for a razor blade.

Lace Stenciling Ideas

The lace pattern can be stenciled upon the backing in picture frames to create a beautiful background for small items and pictures to be displayed.

If refinishing a dresser or coffee table is in your plans, using lace as a stencil can create a lovely design across the entire top surface, the sides, or as a design around the edges of the surface to create a type of decorative framing. Other items that can be used with lace stenciling are flowerpots, shelves, paper book covers, homemade wrapping paper, and decorative boxes.

For those skilled at using stencils on fabric, lace may also be used as a fabric stencil. Instead of spray paint, use fabric paint and a sponge or sponge-head brush to lightly and carefully daub the paint onto your stencil.

The possibilities of decorative uses for lace stencils are endless. The key things to remember are how the image on the lace will show up on your project; the lace must be flush with the surface; and to use care so as not to create paint splotches and drips.