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Do you have some concrete floors in desperate need of decoration, but don’t know what to do with them? Or maybe you’ve been introduced to concrete floor stencils, but don’t know how to use them yet?
You don’t have to look any further, I have some basic guidelines here on how to use them and how to acquire them. You can be a beginner or just getting familiar with the concept and this should work for you.
If you already have concrete floors in your home, we usually don’t want to do much to them. Except maybe throw rugs in them. These days there are more imaginative ways to add the style you want to your floors.
You could now buy concrete stencils and decorate in many different patterns and styles. You can stencil edges or a design in the center of your floor, or even all over if you want it to look more like a carpet.
The concrete stencil patterns are limitless these days if you take some time to quickly browse the internet. Harder than finding them will be finding the one you want from all the good ones available. You can try tile stencils or different kinds of concrete stencil patterns to make your floor more lively.
Using stencil for concrete floor
The first step to stencil the floor and one you need to remember is to clean your floor! It may be a pain in your neck, but it’s important to clean the floor before you stencil it. Dirt could change the colors of your stencil paint, or you can also catch up your hair and grit on it and brush. It’s really gross and it’s not something you want on the floor permanently.
Another thing is that the dirt on the floor will get into brush, sponge, or whatever else tool we’re using to paint. When it gets to the tool, it gets to the paint container and from there to every other stencil. It’s troublesome to spent your time on cleaning tools when you should be concentrating on decorating.
Buying the proper concrete stencils
Now it’s time to go pick up some stencil for the concrete floor. There should be various decorative ones to pick from. Look for one that would be a good pick for your home. Also, get paint that is good for concrete floor or hardwood floor.
You might also consider if you want to buy reusable concrete stencils or one-time use ones. There is also an option for small patterns and quite large stencils for concrete floors. As stated in the beginning, options seem almost limitless.
You don’t also have to go to any hardware store even if I’d recommend it for seeing the products before you buy them. There is also the option to order from the internet. If you’re on the budget you should also check concrete floor stencils for sale when you’re browsing.
One thing to remember is that when the pattern gets big, it will be harder to handle. For a big floor, you might consider large concrete stencils. After a little measuring, you should be ready to order.
After shopping, make sure you decide where you would like your concrete stencil pattern. Then tape down the stencil with a masking tape or a wall putty that’s fine and comes up without a problem. You can use a variety of brushes or tools to apply stencil paint.
Painting concrete stencil pattern
There are stencil brushes that are hard and tough, as well as sponges. You could also just use a stiffer sponge on your hand. The stencil brush will make the paint look deeper and darker. The sponge will be lighter and more textured.
There is also the option of a light-textured paint roller. It can leave a smooth surface like a sponge, but can also get under the stencil on the floor like with a brush. No matter what is used to spread paint, it’s good to proceed carefully. If the paint gets under stencil it will leave a mess everywhere and has to be cleaned or replaced.
The stencils shouldn’t be left in place for too long. If the paint dries on the floor and stencil, the removal can damage the pattern. That doesn’t mean too soon is good as well, it can potentially mess the pattern as well. So we leave it on the floor for a moment for the paint to get a little sticky and then remove the stencils.
The finishing touch for concrete stencils
After your design is finished, you’ll want to varnish your floor. You can pick up a floor coating from your local hobby store most of the time, or from a hardware store. The coating is going to protect the floor. It will keep you from scratching and rubbing the newly stenciled parts of your floor.
That said you know what you’re supposed to do? Well, the sky is the limit with designs. You can paint a long rectangle in the shape of a surface rug in a solid color, after that leave it to dry. Stencil over that color with richer and bolder colors or gold.
Give your floor not just a design, but a depth. Don’t be afraid to try different things. Such as how you sponge the wall to give it a textured look or create the antique crackling you see finished now. You can do both with your floors as well.
Remember a couple of things before you stencil. First, remember that it will take a lot of time, and if you don’t have the time to dedicate yourself to it, don’t do it. Because otherwise, the design on your floor will become imprecise.
It’s also worth noting that concrete floors can take more flowing designs. It’s because there are no wood grains or grains to get in the way.
Conclusion
Make sure the design is one that you’re willing to live with for a long time or a design that helps sell the house. In other words, just because you’re going through some phase doesn’t mean that painting them on your floor is wise or advisable.
I mean if you’re ever planning to sell your home it might become a disadvantage. If you don’t find it important to think about selling, just have fun as this is your canvas to create a work of art!
It’s also good to notice that there are also stencils for making concrete patterns on the floor. It’s not quite stamping concrete, but it’s another way to create unique concrete floors.
That kind of process would need you to use something on the surface of the concrete-like resurfacing it and using a tile stencil on it to create a tile look for your floor. After that, you remove the stencil and it would have the tile pattern on it. You could even use pigments and such while doing it to make a unique surface.
