How to Paint and Stencil a Terrazzo-Look Floor

How to Paint and Stencil a Terrazzo-Look Floor

Terrazzo floors are all the rage-but they're expensive and require a major remodeling project. We're here to show you how to do it yourself, for MUCH less. This how to stencil Terrazzo tile finish is super easy, satisfying and stunning as well. Watch our How to Stencil video and read our detailed stenciling instructions below...


Bring the luxurious look of terrazzo to your floor and walls for less by using this super easy paint and stencil technique. All you need to recreate this stenciled finish are two colors of paint, some basic tools, and the simple DIY paint and stencil techniques outlined in our How to Stencil video and step by step below. 

stenciled terrazzo floor paint finish

Use this stenciled finish on floors, backsplash walls, and even tabletops with great effect. Have fun adding different colors and shades of paint to your “terrazzo stone” to take this stenciled finish to the next level.

Stencil Supplies:

  • Terrazzo Tile Stencil
  • Stencil Roller/Tray
  • 2” Chip Brush
  • Natural Sea Sponge
  • Paint Colors: Satin Black, Linen White (Behr Marquee Flat Latex)
  • Topcoat: Diamond Varathane Satin Water-based Polyurethane

 

Step 1:
Basecoat your surface with 2 coats of Satin Black. Note: if you are doing this technique over existing tile or linoleum please see How to Paint and Stencil Ceramic Floor Tiles for surface preparation tips.

 stencil painting terrazzo tile floor finish

stenciled terrazzo floor treatment with paint

Step 2:
Use a foam roller to apply 2 coats of Linen White through the Terrazzo tile stencil. Be sure to work the paint well into the foam roller and OFFLOAD excess onto paper towels to prevent stencil paint seepage. Stencil your whole surface before going on to step 3.

thin paint to stencil terrazzo tile floor finish

Step 3:
Put some of the Satin Black base paint into a small plastic container and add water to make a “drippy” consistency.

fly specking with paint on stenciled terrazzo tile floor finish

Dip the chip brush in the paint and flick over the surface in a small, workable area (about the size of one stencil repeat) to create large spots.

fly specking paint on stenciled terrazzo tile

Use the same still-loaded paint brush afterwards to release smaller spots of paint over the surface by running your finger over the bristles. This process is called fly-specking.

sponge painting texture on stenciled terrazzo tile floor


Step 4:
Use a damp sea sponge almost immediately to soften, blur, and blend the paint drops randomly.

Step 5:
Repeat the large paint drops and fly-specking over the entire surface to add additional texture as desired.

How to stencil a terrazzo floor look with paint


Step 6:
Protect your surface (particularly if it’s a stenciled floor, countertop, or tabletop) by rolling on 2 coats of water-based polyurethane, such as Diamond Varathane in a satin finish.

Looking for some more advanced stencil techniques to try? Try these:

 

 

 

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