Painted and stenciled floorcloths have a rich history - used in homes throughout England and the United States prior to the invention of linoleum, they were often made from recycled canvas ship sails. For a quick and easy alternative floor covering for a trade show, Melanie created this amazing stenciled vinyl floorcloth using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on the BACK side of some pre-cut vinyl.
Supplies Used:
How-To:
Roll on on two coats of Annie Sloan Graphite Chalk Paint.
You can easily mix and match several stencil patterns on a large surface to create your own custom design. Choose stencil designs in a variety of scales with similar elements. For inspiration, take a look at the stylistic variety within a typical oriental rug.
For this project, Large Eastern Lattice Stencil is used at the centerpiece, framed with the Classical Border & Corner Stencil. The Florentine Damask Stencil creates the lacy scalloped edge and corner detail.
Next, mark off the placement of your border - calculate the space needed for the outer elements and measure in from the outside edge.
For this project:
- Measure in 14.5" from the outside edge (space for Florentine Damask "lace edge"
- Mark with a chalk pencil; tape off outside the marks
- Measure in an additional 4" for the border; leave 4" space between for placing the border
- Burnish the tape to prevent paint from seeping under
Next, Roll on two coats of Annie Sloan Old White Chalk Paint with a short nap 4" roller for the border.
Measure to locate the center of the large inner rectangle
Center one repeat of your stencil design element to ensure symmetrical pattern placement at both edges
Alternate stenciling with a brush (2" stencil brush shown here) for detail or use a roller to cover larger areas more quickly
Tape the stencil securely to minimize seepage. Chalk paint dries quickly so you can go back over to touch up details with a smaller stencil brush.
Mark off corner blocks first, and center the border pattern to be symmetrical along each edge:
Here, the petal details in Duck Egg Blue are stenciled over the white border background using a dry brush technique with a 3/4″ stencil brush.
Position the Florentine Damask Stencil edge, taping off to protect your work on the border.
The size of your floorcloth will determine the number and spacing of the lacy petals
Again, notice how she's taped off the black areas of the design while working with the Old White Chalk Paint.
Melanie taped of part of the stencil design to fit a damask stencil "petal" in each corner - the perfect finishing detail!
Finally, Seal and protect your work with 2 two thin coats of Annie Sloan Lacquer, a matte, water-based finish designed to work with the Chalk Paint.
This tutorial was originally published on Melanie's blog. To see more details, and the floorcloth in her chalk paint display at the San Diego Home Show, visit her blog, Designamour!
13 comments
I have made these, first one layed flat – this current one did not lay flat and sticks up on the edges. I found thin vinyl and thought maybe that would be better but I see you say use thick – maybe I need better than Home Depot grade? Would love your thoughts as I would like to make a new one and they are great to make as I need 50 X 30 – can’t find a rug that size! Hope to hear from you! Thank you in advance! Mary Ann
Yes Nanette, you can paint and stencil over tiles, but you must first paint them with a bonding primer such as Kilz or Zinsser Bullseye. Once primed, you can paint and stencil with latex or acrylic paints. Then seal with several coats a good water-based varnish.
I was wondering if it is possible to stencil bathroom tiles, thus forming a border?? – I would love to give either a Morrocan or Italian ‘look’ to my bathroom.
Is there a particular paint one should use etc.??
Hoping you can help me!! – I LOVE THE IDEA OF STENCILING & YOUR STENCILS ARE AWESOME!!
Hope to hear from you soon – BEST WISHES – NANETTE ???