Let's Stencil a Roller Blind
Get creative with plain roller blinds and simple stencils. We used our Chevron Stencil in a small bathroom for a Scandi style makeover...
You'll need:
A plain roller blind
Most roller blinds are way too long for their window and discoloured from light exposure etc, we cut off the bottom (slightly yellowed) part of the blind. We re-stuck the slot with superglue for the weight to slide back in and stencilled approx 50cm at the bottom of the blind.
Stencil
Choose a stencil you like and one which will fit the size of your blind. In this tutorial we've used our Chevron Stencil - size M/A3. All of our stencils are washable and reusable. You can turn the stencil over to reverse the pattern too.
Acrylic Paint
Choose a really good thick paint. We used a good thick fabric paint although acrylic paint would be fine if you do not intend washing the blind.
Stencil Brush
Stencil brushes have a flat end allowing for close contact to the fabric through the stencil. Always keep the brush at a 90 degree angle to the stencil to avoid paint getting under the stencil. We used The Stencil Studio Large Stencil Brush. See our Stencil Brushes here.
Spraymount and/or masking tape
Spraymount is a repositionable spray adhesive. Spray the back of the stencil. Once the glue has dried you'll be able to stick the stencil in place. Alternatively, use masking tape to secure the stencil whilst you paint it. Or use both like we did!
Paper Plate
Or other recepticle for holding the paint. You'll need a dry area to rub the brush in before painting.
Method:
Spray the back of the stencil and wait for the adhesive to dry before positioning the stencil onto the blind. Follow manufacturers instructions for the spraymount you're using.
Pour a little paint onto the paper plate.
Take a little paint onto the tip of the stencil brush and swirl to distribute the paint amongst the bristles and to remove excess paint.
Begin dabbing paint onto the stencil, moving the brush in a dabbing and/or swirling motion. Continue stencilling and only adding the bare minimum of paint to the brush when necessary. On the final row we masked off the stencil to ensure we didn't get paint on areas we didn't need.
When you have completed the painting, remove the stencil.
If your blind is wider than the stencil pattern you may have to wait until your stencilling has dried before repositioning the stencil again to continue the pattern. Speed up the drying process with a hairdryer.
We did get a little blobbing here and there, despite being really careful. However, when the blind was finished and rehung those few little blobs didn't spoil it at all..
Here's the final result, we love it!
See more Stutorials here.
Take a look at our stencils and get stencilling those plain roller blinds...