From Dull to Distinctive: Enhance Your Surfaces with Plaster Stenciling Techniques

One of our favorite methods for developing texture, pattern, and detail is through the use of relief stenciling. Relief stenciling, also known as embossed or raised stenciling, is a great way to create sculptural 3-D effects on painted furniture, art, and walls. Plaster stenciling can transform any dull and plain surface into a distinctive one-of-a-kind finish.

In this tutorial, Jim is using the Truly Posh Stencil by Posh Chalk WooduBend to showcase our Pearl and Fine Stone plasters. Follow along as Jim compares and highlights each plaster while sharing expert tips on the process of creating a raised stencil.

Supply List

STEP ONE

Surface Preparation

Surfaces should always be free of cleaner residue, dust, dirt, and debris.

Jim selected a vintage cream paint base for this tutorial. If painting/staining/layering before plaster applications, make sure the basecoat of paint/stain/layers are completely dry before application of plaster.

Surfaces should be dry before plaster application. For best results, let surfaces dry overnight before plaster application. Note: Raw, stone, or untreated surfaces may need to be sealed with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat prior to plaster application.

STEP TWO

Stir Plasters

Before starting any plaster project, stir the plaster medium before the initial application. Stir from the bottom up before every use to make sure plaster is fully mixed.

STEP THREE

Choosing The Stencil

When selecting the type of stencil to be used for raised stenciling, it is important to consider a couple of factors beyond the pattern. Thicker mylar stencils typically result in cleaner edges, more defined relief height, and better durability (most are reusable over and over)!

For this tutorial Jim is using the Truly Posh Stencil by Posh Chalk WooduBend. Posh Chalk Woodubend stencils are made from industrial strength Mylar film and are available in variety of designs. Making them an ideal choice for raised stenciling.

If you’re new to relief stenciling, our blog post Stenciling with Plaster – Raised Stencil on Furniture How To, might also be a helpful resource to get started.

STEP FOUR

Sample Application One – Pearl Plaster with Silver Foil Accents

Affix the stencil to the surface using painter’s tape. Try to make sure the stencil lays flat on the surface without any buckling if possible. A flat and secure stencil helps reduce the opportunity for movement and the plaster to be pushed or bleed below the stencil.

Using a putty knife or plaster spatula, apply Pearl Plaster over the openings of the stencil. Load the edge of the tool with a liberal amount of plaster. Then using light pressure, smooth the plaster across the stencil until all the openings are covered. Think of it like icing a cake! The goal is to maintain a smooth, uniform and consistent level of product across the stencil openings.

Once the openings are covered, while the plaster is still wet, remove painter’s tape and lift the stencil to reveal the raised stencil pattern. Any accidental bleeds can be carefully cleaned up with a tooth pick or damp Q-tip if needed.  The stenciled Pearl Plaster should be completely dry before adding additional Metallic Foil details. For optimal results let the Pearl Plaster dry overnight before adding more layers.

Make sure to clean the plaster residue off your stencil between applications with a damp cloth. Cleaning the stencil after every application keeps the stencil smooth and cut-out edges crisp for future use.

Foil Details: For a bit more glamour, Jim applied Leaf & Foil Size and additional Silver Foil accents using a small artist brush. To learn more about applying Metallic Foils visit our blog post- How to use Leaf and Foil Size – Basic Application.

STEP FIVE

Sample Application Two – Fine Stone with Tinted Scumble Glaze

Fine Stone is a thick water-based plaster medium with added natural sand aggregate used to create textured plaster effects. Fine Stone is our thickest and most textured plaster making it great for heavier, more dimensional and elevated raised stencil work.

For this application Jim wanted to create a multi-dimensional stone effect by layering a Fine Stone stencil relief over a lightly trowelled Fine Stone layer. Similar to application one, Jim started this technique with vintage cream base paint, but then he skimmed a thin, even coat of Fine Stone over the surface. The skim coat below the stencil helps to achieve an overall stone-like textured finish.

After the skimmed layer of Fine Stone is completely dry (ideally overnight), attach the stencil to the surface using painter’s tape. Remember, the stencil should be as flat as possible with no buckling to help prevent potential bleeds below the stencil.

Using a putty knife or plaster spatula, apply Fine Stone over the openings of the stencil. Load the edge of the tool with a liberal amount of plaster and cover all the openings of the stencil. Smoothing and leveling as you work. Once all the openings are covered, while plaster is still wet, remove the painter’s tape and lift the stencil to reveal the raised stencil pattern. If needed, carefully tidy any bleeds with a toothpick or damp Q-tip. For optimal results let the Fine Stone dry overnight before adding more layers.

Don’t forget to clean the plaster residue off your stencil between applications with a damp cloth!

Tinted Scumble Details: For extra patina and to achieve an Old-World finish, Jim applied a Glaze of Scumble tinted with Roasted Pecan Nature’s Wood Stain. To learn more about creating and applying Scumble glazes check out our blog post – The Basics – Getting Started with Scumble Glaze.

STEP FIVE

Seal

Pearl Plaster and Fine Stone do not always need to be sealed. However, we typically recommend sealing plaster applications for protection and durability.

All Artisan Enhancements plasters can be sealed with Artisan Enhancements™ sealers. See Sealer Tip sheet for proper sealer application.

Thanks for following along <3

To learn more about our Plasters visit your local Artisan Enhancements retailer, review tip sheets, and visit FAQ section.

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