Gilded Wall Stencils

Due to its position in the room this wall deserved special attention. I felt it would merit using a stencil design and real gold to attract the eye. The sheen and life in real gold is incredibly beautiful and without comparison to other forms of leaf. In keeping with my speedy approach to projects, I do not measure out the stencil to make it completely regular, even though here is a pattern that is repeated. I feel that if you want a uniform print then use wallpaper instead—any slight irregularity makes the wall lively and interesting. Apply the paint by eye and fill in any gaps with part of the stencil.

Project from Annie Sloan's Paint Transformations.
 

For more great wall decorating designs, check out 19 Cool Wall Art and Decor Ideas.

Materials:

• Stencil
• Old White paint
• Roller and paint tray
• Water-based gold size glue
• Small artists’ brush for glue
• Gold transfer leaf
• Small artists’ brush for applying leaf

Before

This wall was over a fireplace and was the focus of attention in the room, but was plainly decorated and boring to look at.

Instructions: 

1. Place the stencil on the wall after working out roughly where you want the design to go. Using a roller and a small amount of paint lighter than the wall color—I chose Old White—mark out the stencil over the whole area you are working on.
   
   
    
2. Using a small brush apply the gold size to the areas you want to be gold. Once the size becomes clear it is ready for the leaf to be applied.
   
   
    
3. Use a dry brush to apply the leaf to the wall. Have a piece of tissue paper behind the leaf and press against it. This helps the leaf to stick to the size and not to the brush or your hands.
   
   
    
4. Wipe away any excess leaf with a soft but firm brush and then check your work for any areas you may have missed.
   
   
    

Tip: Real gold comes in many colors so you can choose a gold that works with your background. For my background I have used taupe, a gray brown that works well with the mid-tone and shade of gold I have picked.