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How to Stencil Carpeting and Rugs
If your carpeting is really getting you down and you can't afford to replace it, you probably also feel there is little you can do about it.
But there is!
I've been stenciling carpet and area rugs for years! In the above photo, Goldie Barrett, one of this websites long time friends, did her carpet in a dramatic leaf fashion. Using two leaf designs, she stenciled them randomly over the entire carpet.
First, shampoo your carpet to squeaky clean. Let it dry completely.
Next, decide on a stencil pattern that is a "single" stencil rather than overlays. This will make it easier to do the carpet more quickly.
Use standard bottled craft acrylic paints. Rather than "pouncing" your brush, simply "swirl" it over the design, making sure you are reaching down in to the lower carpet fibers.
Remember that success in stenciling comes from not over loading your brush with paint. Dip it in to the paint then wipe off the excess on to a paper towel or newspaper before stenciling.
Start in a back corner of the room and work from back to front.
Allow the paint to dry completely before walking on the carpet.
Vacuuming will not harm the new painted pattern, however, if you shampoo your carpets in the future, use a steam cleaner rather than a rotary brush machine for best results. Do not over wet the design.
Stenciling area rugs is also a great way to cover an ugly carpet. Do it cheaply by going to your local small carpet store. They will sell you their outdated large samples (typically 3 feet by 4 feet) for around $8.00.
Take them home and stencil them all with the same design then place over carpet for a coordinated look.
You might even consider stenciling plain pillows to match!