Before she tackles the entire room, Golden practices her stencil technique (figure A). Once she has seen what a portion of the finished product will look like, she creates a sketch of a brick pattern (figure B) to help her as she begins to stencil the walls. Note: Stencils are typically available in a variety of sizes at any crafts store. - Fasten the stencil to the wall with painters tape, making sure the stencil is level (figure C).
Tip: If you're reusing the same stencil pattern and working in the same area (as we are in this case), you don't have to relevel the stencil pattern each time. - Using a household sponge that has been cut into small squares (figure D), dab paint onto the wall through the stencil (figure E).
Tip: Don't use too much paint on the stencil, or the pattern will blur and won't have clean lines. - Once the mortar color is in place (Golden chose a light gray), add a highlight color (figure F) to create a soft shadow on the mortar and make it look more realistic.
- Carefully peel the stencil away from the wall (figure G) and continue the process until you have the desired stenciled effect (figure H).
The type of mural Golden has chosen is called "trompe l'oeil," or "fool the eye." (More information about trompe l'oeil can be found in the Resources section.) Again, if you aren't an artist or don't feel comfortable taking on this aspect of the project, check your local wallpaper stores for ready-made murals. - Make a template on canvas using an artists pencil. Draw a definite border to know how finite the edges will be (figure I).
- Sketch a rough range of proportion of mountains, vineyards and sky (figure J).
- The next step is to add paint to your sketch. As you paint, layer from the bottom up, using acrylic paint (figure K). Golden's finished mural can be seen in figure L.
- Once you have either allowed your mural to dry or selected one from a wallpaper store, apply wallpaper adhesive to the back (figure M) and fasten it to the wall.
The final step in creating the wall will be to add decorative textured paint in the likeness of plaster. Golden says that the paint she uses for texture isn't really paint: it's more of a drywall compound or a type of plaster. - Trowel the decorative textured paint compound onto the wall (figure N). It's okay to get it close to or even on the brick. The texture makes the brick look recessed, which is the effect you want.
- Continue applying the textured paint compound to the wall until all the bricks are framed by it to your satisfaction (figure O).
RESOURCES :
Trompe L'Oeil Murals Using Stencils
Model: 1581800282
Author: Melanie Royals
(January, 2001)
F & W Publications Inc. (North Light and Betterway Books, Story Press, Popular Woodworking Books)
Website: www.fwpublications.com
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