How to paint plaid on any surface with this stencil!
Growing up as a farmer’s daughter, one thing will never leave my memories.
My Dad was a plaid shirt fanatic. Even his good town shirts were plaid. The only time he didn’t wear plaid was when he went to church.
But I’d bet he would have if Mom let him…:)
Who doesn’t love a great plaid pattern? Plaid just feels so cozy!
So I decided to find a way to paint plaid on any surface desired…
… thanks to an easy to use stencil called Plaid Shirt!
Thanks for the inspiration, Dad!
About Plaid Shirt stencil
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Plaid Shirt is a 2-piece stencil that is designed to help you achieve an authentic looking plaid pattern on any desired surface! From furniture, fabric, pillows, door mats, etc.
To achieve this look, one stencil is layered on top of the other using your desired colours.
The end result is one very authentic looking plaid pattern!
So here’s how to paint plaid on any surface using this stencil…
And be sure to watch the video below this post to see it in action!
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How to paint plaid on any surface with this stencil!
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Supplies I used:
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Paint of choice – I used Fusion Mineral Paint’s Casement (white), Coal Black, and Chocolate HERE
Pencil
How-to:
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1. Prep your project with a base coat.
Paint used: Fusion Mineral Paint’s Casement (website link)
This little stool was already white, however a fresh coat of Casement freshened it up, leaving a lovely matte finish.
2. Mark the centre of your project with a pencil.
3. Position the ‘thin lines’ stencil first, then mark the 4 little square registration marks with a pencil.
I like positioning this piece first, because it’s easy to spot the centre point. You can either paint this one first, or paint thick lines first… see below.
4. Lift ‘thin lines’, then position ‘thick lines’, using the registration markings. (if you want the thick lines first)
I prefer painting thick lines first, so the thin lines can overlap them. However both ways work!
5. Slightly dampen your stencil brush with water, then dry it off again. This will have the paint going on a little more transparent, which works well with overlapping plaid lines.
6. Load your brush with paint, then offload most until it’s dry to the touch. (the key to sharp lines)
7. Stencil the centre areas heavier, then fade out towards the ends.
The fading will help you continue the pattern without harsh extension lines.
8. To continue the pattern, move the stencil to one side, and line up like-minded pattern lines.
Make sure the paint is dry behind the stencil and on your project before continuing.
IMPORTANT:
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It’s very important not to turn your stencil on a different side when continuing or the pattern will not line up. A tip I use: Always position the stencil stock number on the bottom right when using.
9. Fade ‘into’ the lines’ when continuing the pattern to achieve an even look.
10. Continue until all four sides are complete.
Colour shown above: Coal Black
11. Position the thin lines stencil, using the four little registration marks you penciled in previously.
12. Place masking tape over them, and tape your stencil into position.
13. Stencil in the same manner. Heavier in the centre, fading out towards the edges.
Colour shown above: Chocolate
The finished plaid result
Isn’t that like the cutest thing EVER?!
It was so fun to experiment in tones that matched my sofa and another cute table I made.
How to layer Plaid Shirt with Buffalo Check
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Find Buffalo Check Stencil HERE
Read HOW to Buffalo Check on any surface HERE
.Plaid Shirt is designed to work on top of Buffalo Check so you can achieve even more plaid effect!
So here’s how this bench was created…
How-to:
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1. Paint your base coat.
The bench first received a fresh coat of Fusion Mineral Paint’s Fort York Red.
2. Buffalo Check your project first ensuring you center the stencil in the middle of your project.
Paint used: Coal Black.
Read HOW to Buffalo Check on any surface HERE
3. Align the 4 registration marks on top of the Buffalo Check square in the middle of your project.
Plaid Shirt is designed to work over top of any Buffalo Check square, however if you wish for your project to be centered, starting in the middle is key.
This is why centering Buffalo Check first is so important.
4. Tape stencil into position.
5. Tape over the registration marks.
6. Stencil the thin lines heavier in the centre, then fading out towards the edges.
Fading will create seamless joins.
White – Casement
7. Once paint on the project AND back of the stencil is dry, move the stencil and align over like minded stencil designs and continue to stencil until pattern is complete.
Tip: Get a ‘wrapped look’ by going over squared off edges of your project.
If you find some areas hard to stencil, extend lines with painter’s tape to continue.
Video – How to stencil with Plaid Shirt
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Click above to watch a short video of stenciling with Plaid Shirt!
And that is how to paint plaid on any surface… thanks to a stencil!
What will you paint plaid onto?
Learn how to Buffalo Check HERE
Plaid projects to make:
Add Buffalo Check and Plaid to placemats
Learn how to make a plaid pillow
Visit all Plaid Shirt projects HERE
These are awesome and ideas are already jumping around in my head. After this move of ours and I get settled I will be back to do some shopping. I was wondering if you were coming up with something new and here it is.. Absolutely sweet!
Just a “new” take with stencils. Love it. Especially am drawn to the black and white round table. Beyond cute. Thanks for sharing.
Love this. I see some rustic plaid ideas for Christmas.
I am in love with the little red bench. Where did you find that? (I am a local reader.)
Thanks
*Smiles*
Isn’t it the cutest thing?! I landed the bench from my brother’s garage sale. I believe he’s had it for years. It’s so solid!
So sad for me. LOL I guess I am still on the hunt for a little red stool.
Thanks anyway.
*Smiles*
What fun, love it!
Donna,
I have a bunch of metal springs, about 2 to 3 inches and I cannot come up with any ideas on how to use them. could I pick your brain?
thanks,
Jan
Hey Jan! I actually haven’t done anything with springs however many have! I’d suggest to do a search on Pinterest. Or feel free to share a picture you have on my FB page so readers can chime in with ideas. 🙂
Hello. I am interested in using this stencil to paint a niche wall in my house. Do you think it will be okay on a wall? It is lightly textured. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer!
Using stencils on a textured surface is always a little trickier, however it can be done. I walk my fingers along the stencil where I am painting to help keep it in place and ensure the brush is very dry to the touch to avoid bleed. I’d suggest to practice the technique on a similar surface to ensure you are able to get the results you hope for.
Donna, how do you clean your stencils after painting?
Hi Bernadine!
I personally don’t clean mine, however many soak in hot soapy water right after use, then wipe clean. Another way is using baby wipes right after the stencil has been used. Other successful methods have been to use Simple Green or Goo Gone. I suggest to always test a small area first before cleaning the entire stencil.