How to Give Old Furniture New Life With Paint and Stencils

Victoria Larsen Stencils
by Victoria Larsen Stencils
6 Materials
Take any old piece of furniture and give it new life with simply paint and a stencil design. This is where you get to let your imagination run wild.
I had picked up this old cabinet from a thrift store for just $9.99 two years ago. It sat in my garage waiting patiently for attention!
I first gave it a light sanding, then primed and painted it with pale gray wall paint. Adding the stencil design was the fun part. I used our Raised Plaster Douceur Stencil with paint instead of plaster to create a wallpaper effect over the sides and top of the cabinet.
Stenciling furniture is easy! Simply tape the stencil where you want the design, dip a 1/2" stencil brush in to paint, wipe off the excess then with a light pressure, swirl the tips of the brush over the stencil openings.
The stencil pattern was simply randomly repeated over the top and sides of the cabinet.
I turned the cabinet on it's back to make it easier to use the stencil on the front of the cabinet door. Using the same stencil, I centered the design over the door, mixed black paint with joint compound (to create a raised design) and smoothed the compound over the stencil openings.
Gently un-tape and peel back the stencil to reveal the raised design and let it dry completely. I painted the trim on the cabinet the same color I painted the stencil, added a cute new handle (in a more convenient location) and everything came together beautifully!
Suggested materials:
  • Plaster Douceur Frieze Stencil   (http://victorialarsen.com/product/plaster-stencil-douceur-frieze/)
  • Kilz Premium Primer   (Home Depot)
  • Cabinet Handle   (Hobby Lobby)
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Mickyhowle Mickyhowle on Feb 05, 2017
    How long do you leave the stencil in place before removing it?
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