How to Stencil a Table Top

Stenciling provides an easy way to apply decorative patterns, letters and numbers to a table top. In contrast to freehand painting, a stencil furnishes the crafter with the ability to create and duplicate uniform shapes and patterns, perfect for borders and other decorative accents. Buy pre-made stencils, or the supplies needed to design them yourself, at a local or online craft supply store.

Instructions

1

Prepare the table top. You can apply a stencil to an existing surface or apply a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted table tops must completely dry, according to the time specified on the paint label, before applying stencils. Existing surfaces should be cleaned using a mild cleanser. After cleaning, wipe with a clean damp sponge or cloth to remove any residue left from the cleaner. The surface of your table top is now ready to stencil.

2

Choose your stencil. Pre-cut stencils are available in a variety of shapes and patterns online and at your local craft store. Feeling creative? Express yourself and draw your own original motif. Sketch your design onto poster board or a sheet of thin plastic (like a report cover), using a pencil or fine-point felt-tip pen. Inexperienced stencilers should consider an uncomplicated and repetitive pattern for their first try. Keep in mind that simple shapes as well as intricate designs make beautiful table tops.

Carefully cut out your design using an exacto-knife, leaving a substantial border around the perimeter of your stencil. Rough edges are a hindrance to clean lines and will show up negatively in the final product.

3

The directions are the same for store-bought or homemade table top stencils. Get the results you desire by first placing the stencil on the table top and planning your pattern. Cut the adhesive edges off of several sticky notes and use them to adhere the stencil to your table top without damaging the surface. Apply the color of your choice by using a small roller. Dip it into a shallow pan of latex or acrylic paint and remove the excess. With gentle and steady pressure roll the roller over the stencil about four times to imprint your design onto the table top. Cautiously but swiftly remove the stencil and adhere it to the next position, and repeat the painting process. To create a layered design, use quick-drying float paints and allow the first design to completely dry before adding the next one. Latex, acrylic and glass paints can also be used.