Stencil an Accent Wall: Old World is New Again

The Granaio Shield stencil is a two layer stencil pattern that can be used to create a lovely painted pattern on walls, furniture, and cabinet doors. The two layers unite to create a lovely trompe l'oeil panel, especially when combined with shading and hand painted accents. Here, though, we chose a simpler, more graphic stencil method that uses the stencil registration marks to create an allover design. The result? A fresh trellis pattern that partners Old World design with a modern approach for a transitional look that translates well for today's relaxed decorating style.

Stencil Supplies:

Granaio Shield Italian Stencil

Chalk Paint(R) Decorative Paint: Old White and Old Ochre

2 Foam Rollers, Trays and Handles

Low tack Painters Tape, Level, Contractor Paper, Paper Towels

When stenciling a symmetrical pattern on an accent wall, you want to be sure to measure and begin the pattern at the top center of the wall and work out both left and right from there.

Place the first layer (Layer A) of your stencil at the top/center of your wall, butting the top up against the ceiling line. Use a level to make sure it sits straight on your wall. Secure with painters tape.

You can use either a stencil brush or foam roller for the stenciling. For either you will want to offload excess paint onto paper towels or brown contractor's paper each time you reload with paint.

Roll through the stencil using a light to medium, even pressure until you achieve full, uniform coverage with the Old White(R) Chalk Paint. This is a two layer stencil, so it contains 4 triangle-shaped registration marks that allow you to line up the second layer accurately.

Rather than make a mark on your wall surface, we recommend that you place small pieces of tape on the wall under the triangles. Mark the triangles with a pen. Be sure that you actually DRAW the triangles, rather than just marking a dot in the center. This will make your registration very accurate.

When you are done, you will remove all the tape and the registrations marks along with it!

For this allover pattern, you can use the registration marks also to repeat the stencil design. To create a allover trellis pattern, use the right bottom registration from the first repeat and match it up with the left top registration on your stencil. Use a level to make sure the stencil is level, secure with tape and repeat the stencil.

Keep repeating until you finish the whole wall with Layer A.

By this point every one of the repeats includes a set of registration marks. Use those registration marks now to align the second layer (Layer B) of the stencil on top of your first stencil layer. Your new pattern elements should but right up against the first pattern elements-without any gaps in between.

Stencil as before, this time using Old Ochre Chalk Paint(R) to create a light contrast on the design.

PRO TIP! Note that the Chalk Paint(R) (or any paint) will build up on the stencil after time, and will actually start to alter your ability to register the layers accurately as it builds in the smaller design elements. It is important to stop and clean your stencil periodically. The fastest and easiest way to clean your stencil is to spray it with Motsenbackers Lift Off #5 (latex paint remover). Let it soak in for a few minutes and then scrub both sides with a short stiff-bristled scrub brush.

The finished stencil pattern has a fresh, crisp look that would be perfect in a living or dining room accented with white and bright colors!