Stenciling on your furniture is one of the oldest and easiest ways to take your furniture to the next level. Stenciling has a bad reputation in some circles for being too dated, too country, too messy, or too make shift. In reality – it’s a great way to update your furniture and add value, if done properly.

I recently added this adorable unicorn stencil to a children’s table that my daughter and I painted together in Lavender.Â She’s unicorn obsessed, so I purchased this cute unicorn stencil at Hobby Lobby on clearance for just $1.75, and used it to add this ombre looking unicorn detail.

Here are my top stenciling tips that will have you stenciling like a boss in no time!

Lesson One: Less is More

The BIGGEST mistake people make when stenciling is having too much paint on their brush. This causes the paint to bleed under the stencil, leaving a messy outcome.

When you dip your stencil brush in the paint, have a huge pile of paper towels ready and handy. Wipe off ALL excess paint from your brush. And then wipe again! You want to have next to no paint on your brush. If you take your brush and dab the back of your hand, no paint should come off on your hand – this is essential.

Lesson Two: The Stipple Technique

Some crafters advise you to paint in a circular motion, but I absolutely disagree with them. When you stencil in a circular motion, you run the risk of bleeding, and accidentally shifting your stencil.

Try stippling instead. Stippling is when you hold your brush completely upright, and quickly, but gently, dab your brush to the surface over and over. Because you have almost no paint on your brush, this is going to take some time. But again, less is more. Work in thin layers.

Lesson Three: ONLY Tape One Side

When you place your stencil on your piece, only tape down one side. This allows you to take a peek at your work as you go, without having to pull up the stencil and try to re position in it in the exact same place.

Finally.. Take Your Time And Be Patient

Stenciling is not a quick fix. It takes time and a lot of patience. Stipple one thin layer of paint, then another and another. Build your color.

Follow these steps and you’ll get a perfect stencil every time!!