How to use tile stencils
You will need
- Grout cleaner
- Selley's Sugar Soap
- Vacuum
- Primer
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Small microfiber brush
Method
Step 1
Start by cleaning your tiles to remove all grime and build-up. Once dry, give your floor a quick vacuum.
Step 2
Apply primer to the grout with a paint brush, and then roll the primer over your tiles to ensure an even coat is distributed. Allow to dry for at least 8 hours.
Step 3
Next, apply a base colour. Zoe used Dulux's Vivid White in a gloss finish. Again, using a brush on the grout lines and a small microfiber brush on the tiles, apply an even coat of paint to your tiles. Allow this coat to dry overnight and then add a second coat.
*Zoe ended up doing 3 coats just to use up the paint – as it does begin to set after a few days being a two-part product.
Step 4
Once the white is dry, it's time to stencil. Zoe picked up a design that was the same size as her existing tiles to give a more realistic tile look.
Step 5
Applying the paint through the stencil takes a bit of trial and error to get right. Use some masking tape to hold the stencil in place and then use a lightly coated roller to apply the paint. For the pattern, Zoe used Dulux Army Issue in a gloss finish. One coat of paint for the stencil should be enough. Then go back with a small artist's brush to fix up any missed areas or bleeds once the stencil is removed.
Step 6
Once the stencilling is complete, it's simply a matter of keeping off the flooring for a few days to make sure the paint sets completely. Also, make sure you only wear socks (and not shoes) on the first week after painting.
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