STENCILLING TILES

Easily update plain boring tiles without all the mess.

I've been busy stencilling away again and some of you are asking for tips on how to do your own. So here is how I created my latest project - my front door step.

1. Prep is very important. These tiles were well used so had become very smooth in places - I could not just put paint right on top of this. So as well as cleaning, sand the tiles to give a rough surface for the paint to cling too. A light sand with 120 grit sanding paper is enough.

2. A lot of paints out there say you don't need primer. This includes the paint I used being Frenchic. However, for a high traffic area such as the front door step, use a primer.

3. Paint your base colour. Use a roller to get an even finish.

4. Apply 3 coats to give a strong base.

5. If you haven't stencilled before then practice to get your technique. I mainly dab the paint on.

6. Place down your stencil using tape.

7. Use a stencilling brush and once you have paint on it, dab it onto kitchen roll before using it. Less is definitely more.

8. Use a hair dryer between the coats to dry them so you can move onto the next one quicker.

9. Do your next colour if you are doing more than 2.

10. Use a fine artists brush to do touch ups, especially if you have used a third colour that may have gone over the second one.

11. Done!