10 Tools for Stenciling Children’s Bunk Beds

Why should we stencil? They are easy. They are fun. They create a perfect letter or picture every time! When we think of stencils, we usually think of imprinting letters on poster board, for a school project. But stenciling can also be used to enhance the décor of your son’s or daughter’s bedroom or playroom. While furnishing itself adds flavor to a child’s bedroom or playroom, colorful stenciling can add some extra pizzazz to walls, shelves, tables, toy chests, and even bunk beds! But before you grab a pencil and a stencil sheet, take some time to acquaint yourself with the variety of tools that are needed for décor stenciling.

Stupendous stencils
Stenciling is an ancient method for using cut-out patterns to apply paint to a surface. The pattern can be stenciled once, or multiple times. What the advantages of stenciling? This method allows you to create a unique living space for your child, choosing from a cornucopia of templates. Another advantage of stenciling is that it can be done without spending a fortune.

The right tool for the right job
Stenciling begins with the right tools. You should secure the following ones, before getting started:

·Adhesive
·Art gum eraser
·Brushes (high quality)
·Level
·Paint
·Palette
·Pencil
·Plumb line
·Stencils
·Tape measure

Starting with stencils
As you might guess, stenciling cannot be done without stencils. Two main types exist. Single-overlay stencils consist of one layer, and are ideal for beginners. On the other hand, multiple-overlay stencils allow you to add one color and layer at a time.

The bedroom as a canvas
When stenciling, oil and acrylic are the two main types of paint that are used. Oil paints take longer to dry than acrylic paints, so they are ideal for creating shadows and for blending colors. They also run less than acrylic paints. However, drawbacks of oil paints are that fewer colors are available than acrylic paints, and they are more difficult to clean up.

Meanwhile, acrylic paints come in a wider variety of colors than oil paints, and can be mixed easily. They also dry faster, to prevent blotches.

Brushes, brushes
Stencil brushes are also important in stenciling. They are available in several different sizes, and have short, rigid bristles of the same length. It is recommended that you have a brush for each color used.

Stuck on stencils
When stenciling, adhesives can include painter’s tape or adhesive spray. These materials are used to keep the stencil in place, while you are using it. In most cases, adhesive is the more convenient adhesive to use, when stenciling.

On the other hand, adhesive spray is sometimes a useful alternative. This includes working with ceilings and curved surfaces, which are harder to reach with painter’s tape. Also, when using stencils on surfaces that are smooth, spray adhesive can prevent paint from leaking underneath the stencil’s edges. The drawbacks of adhesive spray are that it is pricier, messier, and does not smell like a bed of roses.

As the saying goes, “a bad workman blames his tools.” But with the right tools, you can create attractive, uniform designs in your child’s bedroom or playroom, using stencils. Even bunk bed throw pillows can be painted with sunflowers or basketballs. Stencil away!