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Stencilling

To help you get the best results from stencilling we asked Mark Bannister, Crown’s decorating expert for his top tips:

Decide on colours
Using a single colour will create a flat stencil while layering with more than one colour will help to add depth and create a more interesting look.
 
Hold in place
Fix the stencil either using a low tac masking tape or a spray mount adhesive -  if using spray mount adhesive ensure the room is well ventilated.
 
Applying paint
Be sparing with paint, otherwise you run the risk of paint seeping outside the lines of the stencil.

Rather than splashing out on a whole tin of paint use emulsion tester pots - with such a wide variety you're bound to find the right colour for you.

To avoid uneven blobs of paint, dip a small stencil brush into paint then remove excess by dabbing onto a piece of paper. Next, using a stippling action or a swirling technique work the brush from the outer edge of the stencil into the middle to reduce the risk of paint bleeding under the stencil.

Alternatively, you can use a piece of rounded foam fashioned into a mushroom shape as an applicator - rock from the edges into the middle of the stencil.

Remove the stencil, stand back and admire your work.

Image: Crown stencils