Dense foam, gloss style rollers are great for painting stencils fast - so ideal for wall pattern projects. In this tutorial we will cover everything you need to know about how to get great results.
HOW TO
PAINT USING ROLLER
Paint with light pressure and build up a couple of layers or until you achieve the desired effect. Remember to roll off all the excess paint each and every time you apply paint.
The basic stenciling materials needed are
- Stencil (from Ideal Stencils)
- Dense foam roller (gloss roller)
- Paint (emulsion/acrylics)
- Polystyrene plate Repositionable spray mount or low tack masking tape
- Kitchen roll
Flip your stencil over and spray a light mist of repositionable spray mount on the back. This is great for temporarily adhering the stencil to the surface.
Ensuring good adhesion and pressing the stencil and any smaller detailed areas to the wall really reduces the risk of that unwanted paint bleed while painting.
You can also use pieces of low tack decorators tape especially for a large stencil you may be repeating - just for that extra hold.
Next put a small amount of paint onto your polystyrene plate. Take your roller and roll it through the paint, coating the roller sleeve evenly with paint. Then off-load the roller onto your kitchen roll.
This step is not to be skipped! If you have too much paint on your roller then paint will get under the stencil causing blotchy edges.
Your roller wants to be slightly damp to the touch and not have any visible paint on it...see the roller below- that is what you aiming for.
Now your roller is off-loaded you can start stencilling. Use light pressure and roll your roller over the stencil. You can gradually increase your pressure as you paint. Build up the layer slowly until you achieve your desired result. Some people like to completely put a full even layer on which is great if doing say a large single motif, whilst others like myself, when doing a repeat pattern project over a large area, don't mind if some areas are not fully covered as it gives a more worn, natural look and a unique finish to each repeat.
Once you have painted the stencil you can remove it without needing to let it dry.
Look at that nice crisp result. If you apply the paint lightly and without to much paint on your roller then yours will look the same as mine. You can now reposition your stencil and paint the stencil again, and again... Happy Stencilling!
