How to Stencil a Focal Wall
![Striking Stenciled Staircase Gray Stenciled Transitional Stairway With Red Chaise](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/10/25/0/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Beauty_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400951207150.jpeg)
Materials Needed:
- stencil
- stencil brush
- painter's tape
- pencil
- wall color paint
- accent color paint
- paper towels
- level
Preparation
Choose wall to stencil and select stencil design, wall color and accent color to paint stencil design. Paint wall if it is not already the chosen wall color.
![Select and Prepare Wall Space for Stencil Project Ladder Beside Blank Gray Wall in Preparation for Stenciling](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/2/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step1_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956849138.jpeg)
Determine Starting Point
Determine design layout and position stencil on the wall at starting point. Attach the stencil using painter's tape.
![Determine Starting Point and Tape Stencil to Wall Stencil Attached to Wall With Green Painter's Tape](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/2/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step2_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956954775.jpeg)
Paint Stencil Design
Paint design on wall with a stencil brush using dry brush method. Begin by dipping tips of bristles in paint and remove excess by dapping brush on a paper towel.
![Paint Using Dry Brush Method Paintbrush Dabbing Excess Paint on Paper Towel](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/1/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step3_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956589341.jpeg)
Paint Using Stippling Method
Apply paint using stippling method, which is dapping brush against stencil openings. Tip: Do not brush paint over stencil openings as this will lead to paint seeping under stencil.
![Paint Using Stippling Method Painting With Stencil Using Stippling Method](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/0/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step4_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400954973301.jpeg)
Hold Stencil in Place
Apply pressure to stencil around openings while stippling to ensure sharp paint lines.
![Hold Stencil in Place While Painting Painting Using Stencil](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/1/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step5_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956589173.jpeg)
Mark Registration Points
Trace all four registration points with a pencil prior to moving stencil.
![Mark Stencil Registration Points Pencil Tracing Stencil Registration Point](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/2/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step6_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956954321.jpeg)
Move Stencil
Move stencil by lining up stencil registration points to continue design. Tape stencil in place and repeat painting process. Tip: Use a level to check stencil tile placement to ensure design is painted evenly.
![Move and Tape Stencil Stencil Taped Beside Painted Pattern on Gray Wall](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/2/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step7_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956849336.jpeg)
Repeat Steps
Continue painting stencil design, mark registration points and move stencil across and down wall until desired area is covered with design.
![Repeat Stencil Design Across Wall Repeating Diamond Stencil Pattern on Gray Wall](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/0/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step8_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400954973876.jpeg)
Extend Design To Wall Edges
Paint stencil design to edges of wall and trim to create a seamless look resembling wallpaper.
![Extend Design To Wall Edges Repeating Wall Stencils](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2010/11/8/2/Original_Janell-Beals-Stencil-Wall-Step9_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400956954483.jpeg)