Embossed Lace Frame

Step 2
See the tip on the Faux Matelasse Fabric Finish for more detailed instructions of stencil embossing allover patterns! You will want to practice this technique first on some scrap wood or cardboard.

Before beginning you must determine and lay out the design registration. Center the lace design on the frame by finding the center of one of the lace elements and placing it at the top center of the frame. Trace through some of the elements onto the frame with a sharp pencil. Move stencil, lining up the repeat and trace again.

Step 3
Spray the back of the stencil lightly with the adhesive spray and press the stencil firmly into place, beginning in the center of the frame.  Stir the Hard Molding Paste and load a small amount onto the styrene trowel. Emboss by dragging the trowel over the stencil area with a firm but gently pressure, holding the trowel at a parallel angle to the surface. Apply a layer between 1/16î and 1/8î thick, just slightly covering the stencil.

If you apply the material too thickly, you have ragged edges when you pull the stencil away. Lift the stencil carefully at one corner to see that you have applied the material to the desired thickness to check.

The key is to apply a uniform thickness of material. Once you have filled in the stencil area with the small trowel, it is recommended that you use a large Plastic Smoother to lightly smooth out all line and create even coverage.

At the edges of the frame, some material will get pushed onto the sides. After removing the stencil, carefully remove this excess from the sides of the frame immediately by wiping with a paper towel or scraping with a clean trowel.

Step 4
You will need to allow the first repeat to dry before embossing in the adjoining areas. Clean the stencil immediately by laying it on heavy scrap paper and carefully scraping off the excess material with the Plastic Smoother. Use soapy water in a nearby sink or a bucket and a wet rag to wipe off the residue from the stencil and your utensils.  Place the clean stencil on a flat dry surface and dry it carefully with a soft cloth. When ready, simply re-spray with adhesive and continue stenciling.

Step 5
Roll or brush on two coats of the desired color. For a tasteful, elegant look, we have simply used off-white, but any soft, pastel color will work.

Lovely Lace

ESE Decorative Textures - DVD

ESE Technique Manual

Stencil Embossing

Faux Matelasse Fabric Finish