The Upcycler’s Edit: How to Stencil Furniture Like a Pro (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Ever look at a plain piece of furniture and think, “You need a little something special”? That’s where stencilling comes in. It’s such an easy (and fun!) way to add pattern, texture, and personality to your projects — and with our new Blake & Taylor Mylar Stencils by Dizzy Duck Designs, you can go from meh to marvellous in an afternoon.

We'll walk you through exactly how to use them — three different techniques, loads of tips, and everything you need to know before you dive in.

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What You’ll Need

Let’s get organised first. Here’s your stencil toolkit:

• Blake & Taylor Furniture Paint (in your chosen colour/s)
• Dizzy Duck Designs Mylar Stencil (your new best friend)
• Painter’s tape or low-tack spray adhesive (so your stencil stays put!)
• Stencil brush (for technique 1)
• Small sponge (for technique 2)
• Small foam roller (for technique 3)
• Paper plate or palette (to offload paint)
• Paper towel or rag (trust me, you’ll need them)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (optional, if you like a smooth or distressed finish)
• Topcoat/sealer (for extra protection if needed)

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Prepping Your Piece

Don’t skip this bit — it’s the difference between good and wow.

1. Clean it up – Dust, dirt, and grease are the enemies of paint. Wipe it all down.
2. Lay the foundation – Give your piece a lovely base coat of Blake & Taylor paint and let it dry completely.  If you are working on raw timber, skip this step.
3. Position your stencil – Use painter’s tape or a quick spritz of low-tack spray adhesive to keep your stencil from sliding around.

Three Ways to Stencil (Pick Your Adventure!)

1. The Stencil Brush Method (great for blending two or more colours)

• Dip your brush in your paint, then dab most of it off on a paper towel or rag (seriously, less is more here).
• Using an up-and-down dabbing, apply the paint.
• Lift the stencil straight up — don’t drag it — for that perfect reveal.
• Pro tip: If you’re stencilling on a bumpy or detailed surface, this is your go-to technique.

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2. The Sponge Method (For a softer, textured look)

• Lightly dip your sponge in the paint, then blot the excess off (no drips allowed).
• Gently dab or pounce over the stencil, layering the colour slowly.
• Peel it back to reveal a slightly more rustic, blended finish.
• Pro tip: This is fab for vintage or farmhouse-style pieces where you want a more lived-in look.

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3. The Foam Roller Method (For speed and large surfaces)

• Roll your foam roller in a little paint, then roll it over a paper towel or rag to remove excess.
• Lightly roll over your stencil, keeping pressure even.
• Carefully lift the stencil off before the paint dries to avoid peeling.
• Pro tip: Great for big, bold designs or repeating patterns over large areas.

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The Finishing Touch

Once your design is dry, you can:

Give it a light sand for that beautiful, worn-in character (optional).

Add your protective topcoat or wax

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And that’s it!

Stencilling really is one of those projects that looks way more complicated than it is. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked — and our Dizzy Duck Designs stencils  make it easy and fun (with beautiful patterns you’ll actually want to live with).

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Ready to Play?

Shop the Blake & Taylor Paint Stencil collection →] Click Here 

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