Project

Stenciled Floorcloth

Elevate any entryway with this faux-textured floorcloth—all you need is this simple stenciling technique.

Photography: Johnny Miller

Source: Martha Stewart Living, July/August 2018

Introduction

This stenciling project appeared in our story, "How to Stencil Anything with Our Masterful Technique." Nix that pricey area rug or runner for this equally chic DIY version that uses a simplier-than-you-think technique. To create this subway-tile motif floorcloth, you'll need a roller, three paint colors, and a few basic paint supplies.

materials

Drop cloth or kraft paper

Prehemmed, primed canvas floorcloth (Pictured: Dunberry Hill Designs primed floorcloth, 4-by-6-inch, from $8 per sq. ft., dunberryhilldesigns.com)

Foam paint roller and cover

Paint, in gray, white, and coral (Pictured: Benjamin Moore Regal Select Pearl Finish interior paint, in China White, Temptation, and Coral Bronze, benjaminmoore.com)

Stencil (Pictured: Gypsy Mint Stencil Co. Subway Tile, $46, gypsymint.com)

Spray adhesive

Small pointed paintbrush

Low-VOC water-based varnish

steps

Cover work surface with drop cloth or kraft paper. Spread out floorcloth. Using roller, cover entire surface with two coats of gray paint (visible in the "grout" lines). Let dry completely.
Lightly mist stencil with spray adhesive and press onto floorcloth to adhere. Using a clean paint roller, apply white paint to create the "tiles." Let dry completely.
Peel off stencil and slightly offset it. Use it as a guide to trace coral "shadow" lines between tiles with small brush. Let dry completely.
Apply a coat of low-VOC water-based varnish to help your design stand up to foot traffic.