DIY Network

Tropical Stenciling Technique / Finishing Touches From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-203

	Before: Victorian sitting room in distress
	After: Cozy Caribbean getway

The Bakers add a coat of brown paint to the floors before the Rescuecrew returns the next day. Nathan adds trim and a picture rail before an expert is called in to teach the finer points of faux painting. After the faux finish is added and palm leaves have been stenciled, the crew adds the finishing touches that will make the sitting room feel like a tropical getaway.

Faux Finishing and Stenciling Techniques

The crew calls in a decorative painting expert to teach the Bakers how to create a sun-dappled base with a stenciled palm leaf overlay.

Materials:

Water-based paint in colors of choice
Glaze
Paint tray
Brushes
Drop cloth
9-inch flat pad applicator
Newspaper and dry rags
Sea sponge rollers
Foam rollers
Stencils in desired motif
Painter's tape
Ladder

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	Figure A
	Figure B

1. Cover floor with drop cloth. Mix first paint color (in this example, tan is used) with about 20% glaze in paint tray.

2. Apply glaze mixture over the wall in large criss-crossed strokes (figure A). Soften strokes by dabbing with a dry cloth. Continue technique around the room and allow to dry thoroughly.

3. Mix next color (in this case, a soft green is used) with same proportion of glaze. Roll sea sponge roller into the mixture and roll excess onto dry newspaper. With the thin layer left on the sponge roller, apply color in light, downward strokes over the first layer. Apply sparingly -- just enough to create texture and depth. Allow to dry thoroughly.

4. Again mix paint in desired color with glaze. Roll foam sponge in desired color(s) and roll off excess paint on to dry newspaper. Then place stencil flat against the wall and lightly fill pattern with roller (figure B). For more defined edges, don’t overload your roller or your stencil with paint. Continue with stencil as desired. Allow to dry thoroughly.
   

Finishing Touches

In only three days, the DIY to the Rescue crew has created a room to sweep the Bakers away to the islands -- right in the comfort of their own home!