Upcycling old furniture is a creative and eco-friendly way to refresh your home decor. One such project is giving a tired wood stool a new life using stencils. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to transform an old wood stool into a unique piece with just a few supplies and a Cricut machine.
Step 1: Prepare Your Stool for Upcycling
Before you start stenciling, it’s essential to prepare the stool. If your stool has an old finish or paint that has seen better days, you may want to give it a fresh coat of paint. Lauren, who shared this project on Facebook Live, started by painting her stool with white acrylic paint. This not only covered any imperfections but also created a clean slate for the stencil design.
If your stool’s current finish is in good condition, you can skip the painting step or simply clean the surface to ensure the stencil adheres well.
Step 2: Choose Your Stencil Design
The next step is to select a stencil design that complements your style and the stool’s size. Lauren used Design Space®, a platform where Cricut users can find a variety of stencil designs. You can choose from pre-made designs or create your own.
Remember to resize the design to fit the surface of your stool. A design that’s too large or too small may not have the desired effect, so take time to measure and adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Cut Your Stencil
Once you’ve chosen your design, it’s time to cut the stencil. Lauren used her Cricut Maker to cut a stencil out of 6mil thick Mylar, a durable material that can be reused multiple times. She placed the Mylar sheet onto a LightGrip mat and used a deep point blade to cut the design.
If you’re using a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore, you can follow the same steps. For those using a Cricut Joy®, keep in mind that the machine’s smaller size may limit the design dimensions.
When cutting Mylar or similar materials, adjusting the settings on your Cricut machine is crucial. Lauren recommended setting the blade to “Mylar” with “more” pressure, especially if your blade is not brand new. Testing a small cut on a scrap piece of material is also a good idea to ensure your settings are correct.
If you don’t have a Cricut machine, you can still create a stencil by hand. Print the design on paper, trace it onto your material, and carefully cut it out using scissors or a craft knife.
Step 4: Apply the Stencil to the Stool
With your stencil ready, it’s time to apply it to the stool. Position the stencil on the stool’s surface and secure it with painter’s tape. This tape will keep the stencil in place and prevent it from shifting while you paint, ensuring crisp, clean lines.
Step 5: Start Painting
Now comes the fun part—painting! Using a dabbing motion, apply paint over the stencil. Lauren prefers Mylar to vinyl for stenciling because its thicker density reduces the chances of paint bleeding through the edges of the stencil.
Dab the paint lightly at first, gradually building up the color. This method helps avoid overloading the brush with paint, which can cause smudging or bleeding. Depending on the look you want, you may need to apply multiple layers of paint.
Step 6: Remove the Stencil
After you’ve finished painting and the paint has dried, carefully remove the stencil. Peel it off slowly to avoid smudging the design. If you notice any minor imperfections, you can touch them up with a small brush.
Step 7: Seal the Design
To protect your newly stenciled design from wear and tear, apply a sealant. Lauren used a polyurethane spray, but you can choose any sealant that’s appropriate for your project. This step is particularly important if the stool will be used frequently or placed in a high-traffic area.
The sealant adds a layer of protection against nicks, stains, and water damage, ensuring your stool looks great for years to come. Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the stool.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Upcycled Stool
Once your stool is dry, it’s ready to use. Whether you place it next to a couch as an accent piece or use it as extra seating, your upcycled stool is a testament to the creativity and sustainability of DIY projects. Upcycling not only breathes new life into old furniture but also allows you to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style. So, take a seat and enjoy the fruits of your labor—crafting may be hard work, but the results are worth it!
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