How to Paint an Accent Wall Stencil

Do you love the accent wall wallpaper trend, but aren’t ready to tackle paste? Or, maybe you aren’t ready to commit to putting something on your wall that’s SUPER hard to remove? Enter the accent wall stencil!

Accent wall stencils can be an easy way to add pattern and pop to your space, but they can be a little intimidating if you haven’t used one before. I know I did hours of research before starting on E’s bathroom wall, as this was my first time using a stencil. But, I love how it turned out, and how easy it ended up being in the end!

• Active Time: 2-3 hours for me (but totally dependent on the size of your space)
• Total Time: 2-3 hours (I broke it up over 2 of E’s nap times)
• Power Tools Needed: None!
• Cost: $50
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Help Required?: Nope. This is an easy solo project.

Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click the link and purchase the item. To view our full Affiliate Disclosure, click here.

Supplies Needed

You don’t need a ton of supplies for this project, so it can be an inexpensive way to update your space. Here’s what I used:

• Wall Stencil of Choice–Here’s the one I used
• Stepstool
• Painter’s tape
• Base color paint and paint for stencils (If you’re using multiple colors, but the sample size of your colors. You won’t use that much)
• Acrylic or stencil paint brushes (or small roller if that’s what you choose to use)
• Paper plate
• Paper towels

Step 1: Prep Your Wall

Before you dive into using your fancy new stencil, make sure your wall is ready. Patch any holes you need to patch. Touch up any scuffs, if you’re keeping the same base color.

If you’re using a new base color, paint the wall before starting and make sure it dries according to the packaging.

Step 2: Prep Your Workspace

Next up: prep your workspace. Make sure your step stool is in the room, along with all your supplies, so that you’re not running out in the middle to grab something. Stenciling is detail work, and the less distractions you have during, the less likely you’ll make a mistake.

Since I was using multiple colors, I made a little palette with a paper plate so i hate easy access to my many colors.

Step 3: Tape Your Stencil to the Wall

Using painters tape on the top and bottom of your stencil, tape your stencil to the wall. If you have a repeating pattern, use your level to make sure your stencil is even.

If you are doing a repeating stencil where the stencil needs to line up each time, you can do one of two things to make sure the stencil lines up each time. If you want to be uber precise, make a small mark with a pencil at the bottom corner of your stencil. Then when you move the stencil, you can line the top corner up with the mark you made.

If you are ok being a little less exact, feel free to eyeball it. It’s all a matter of how intricate your stencil design is, and how forgiving the design is.

Step 4: Apply Paint to the Stencil

The trick to getting clean stencil lines is to use the smallest amount of paint possible–almost a dry brush or roller. This will help avoiding bleeding around the stencil marks.

Since I used a brush for my accent wall stencil, I would dab my brush in the color, then dab it multiple times on the plate next to it to get as much excess off as I could.

Now, you can apply your paint to your stencil. Hold the stencil with one hand (the tape isn’t fool-proof). With your brush, dab the paint onto the exposed wall until the whole stencil is covered.

Step 5: Remove Accent Wall Stencil and Place It Again

Once you’re done with the first stencil, carefully peel the tape and stencil off the wall and replace it at your next spot.

I did a random pattern, so I wasn’t worried about lining up my stencil in a row or anything.

If you’re doing a repeating pattern in a row, remember to make a small mark with a pencil at the bottom corner of your stencil before moving your stencil. Then when you move the stencil, you can line the top corner up with the mark you made.

Step 6: Apply Paint

Follow the same steps as Step 4 and apply paint to your stencil and remove it as described in Step 5.

Step 7: Clean Your Accent Wall Stencil

Every 2 uses of the accent wall stencil, I cleaned my stencil to get rid of any paint build up. It helped avoid paint bleeding. To clean it, i simply used a damp paper towel and wiped all the paint off the back of the stencil and the front.

If you’re doing a really good about using a small amount of paint, there shouldn’t be much to wipe off.

Then after I wiped everything off with a damp paper towel, I wiped both sides again with a dry paper towel.

You may find you need to clean it every use, or every 3-5 uses. It may take a little trial and error to get the right sequence for your stencil.

Step 8: Repeat Steps 3-7 Until You’ve Finished

Now it’s just a bunch of repeating the above steps until you’re done!

I did my accent wall stencil over two nap times. I just wrapped up my brushes in between sessions with tinfoil and tossed my paint paper plate and started a new one for each session.

Step 9: Touch Ups

You’re going to make mistakes. Paint is going to bleed. The stencil is going to move. Don’t sweat it!

Just make sure you have a tiny clean stencil brush for each color you’re using (including the base color), so you can touch up any imperfections when you’re done. No big deal!

The Finished Product!

Here’s how my first endeavor into stenciling turned out! What do you think?!

I love that the offset rainbow stencil added a touch of whimsy to the space, while tying I all the rainbow colors from the bath accessories I fell in love with.

Have Questions? Looking for DIY Projects?

Check out our posts on Designing a Room Your Child Will Grow Into and Designing the Perfect Gender Neutral Nursery.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post in the comments below! Or, you can always send a direct message to us at our Contact Us page.

And, you can always find even more ideas if you follow us on our Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook pages!

Last but not least, please review our Disclaimer before completing any project we describe here.