Stencil a pattern on a cement floor

Stencil a delicate pattern on a cement floor to give it an instant new look with the minimum of effort.

You need
• cardboard stencil (available at scrapbooking shops)
• acrylic paint in the colour of your choice
• small sponge roller
• drip tray
• spray glue
• masking tape
• sealant

To make
1 First scrub the floor (untreated or sealed) thoroughly and leave to dry.
2 Use masking tape to mark the section that you want to stencil. spray glue on the back of the stencil and stick it in position at the first corner. stick masking tape over the edges of the stencil to make sure you don’t paint over the edges.
3 Place paint on your sponge roller (we used Dulux Acrylic in Grey steel 2) and roll over the stencil to transfer the pattern onto the floor. Be careful not to use too much paint and also do not press too hard, otherwise you may create smudges.
4 Lift up the stencil carefully. Leave the paint to dry a bit before you carry on.
5 Place the stencil on the following section and repeat. spray on more glue and use new masking tape, if necessary. repeat the process until the whole floor is complete.
6 Leave the paint to dry then paint on a coat of sealant (we used Plascon Paint effects Glazecoat). Leave to dry then paint on another coat.