How to Stencil a Ceiling (and Why You Need It)
Ceilings are often overlooked in our homes, but a little bit of texture or color can really add a lot to a room. If pressed tin ceiling tiles are out of your budget, there are easier ways to add some expensive details without breaking the bank. Here’s how to achieve a quick update that perfectly matches your style.
Why stencil the ceiling?
The great thing about stencils is that you can make as many as you want. Whether you just want to add accent around a light fixture, or want to cover an entire ceiling, there’s a stencil to match. You can also choose any color (or multiple colors) you like to match any decor you already have. But while stenciling is a fairly straightforward process, there are some things to consider when trying to do it yourself.
What You Need to Screen Print a Ceiling
For this project, you will need a stencil of your choice, some latex or water-based acrylic paint, a stencil brush , some blue masking tape , and a ladder high enough to reach the ceiling. Make sure you don’t stand on the top two rungs of your stairs. A roll will also come in handy.
How to choose the right stencil
When choosing a stencil, the first thing to think about is the scale. Depending on the height of your ceilings, the pattern you choose should be large enough to be seen from the ground, and match the shape and size of your room. If you have a small area, a smaller drawing may look better.
For a large room, a much larger motif may be appropriate. You can choose either a single motif, such as the shape of a wreath around a lamp, or a repeating pattern, such as those used to imitate wallpaper or tin tiles.
How to choose a stencil color
The next thing to pay attention to is the color. If you want your look to be bold, you should choose a color that contrasts with the ceiling and the colors in the room. For a more subtle approach, you can choose a shade close to the one you already have – you can even use a gloss stencil in the same color as the matte base color to create an understated fabric-like texture.
How to apply paint
First, plan out where your stencil should go, holding it where you want it and making sure it lines up evenly. If you’re doing a repeating pattern, you should mark where the edges of the pattern are so you know where it will overlap and make sure the edges of the stencil can line up with the edges of your ceiling.
Use blue painter’s tape to press the stencil firmly against the ceiling surface, and then apply the paint with the stencil brush in light strokes. Use a small amount of paint at a time so that the paint does not seep under the stencil. If you’re not sure about the technique, you can always practice on a piece of cardboard before moving on to the actual ceiling. Once you’ve mastered the method, applying your design should be quick and easy.