EXPERT ADVICE

When playing around with stencils, consider the medium you’ll be decorating and be sure to choose the right tools and paints. Interior decorator Kim Green offers the following advice: Concrete soaks up paint, so there’s no need to prime. A roller and acrylic paint will work well; add a coat of acrylic or polyurethane sealant once your paintwork is done. Fabric You can use fabric paint or chalk paint (some of which may require a sealant – check the packaging) to stencil cushion covers, tablecloths, runners, tote bags and even clothing. Once the paint has dried, go over the stencil design with an iron (apply an old cloth over the fabric and iron gently in a circular motion); this further sets the paint on the fabric so you can clean your item without the paint washing out. Using a stipple brush works best here. This kind of brush is ideal for stencilling smaller areas as it’s used in a straight up-and-down stippling motion (gentle banging of the tip of the brush) which reduces bleeding. Ceramic tiles Surface preparation (cleaning with sugar soap and applying a good primer; try Dulux Supergrip) is key when painting over ceramic tiles. Let the primer dry completely before painting a base coat in acrylic paint. On walls, unlike floors, there is no need to seal the tiles afterwards, unless they’re going to be exposed to moisture, such as in a bathroom – in that case, they can be sealed with an acrylic sealant. Wood Chalk paint is a great option for wood as it requires no primer or sealant. Simply clean the item and allow it to dry before painting it. Remember to seal chalk paint with a wax or glaze afterwards, especially if it will stand outside. For detail, use a stipple brush but if you’re covering a larger area such as a tabletop or door, use a sponge roller.