Take To The Floor

Create a floor artwork with this easy DIY

19 January 2015

The floor isn’t just a surface to walk on! It can also be a canvas on which to unleash your creativity.

You Will Need

Annie Sloan paint (we used the colours Versailles and Provence; 1 litre covers 13m²)
brush or sponge roller for painting the base coat
small sponge roller for the stencilling
medium-sized sponge roller for the varnish
paint tray
stencil of your choice (go to theafricanstencilcompany.com)
spray adhesive specially for stencils (available from hardware or art supplies stores)
water-based floor varnish with a matte or satin finish

TIPS

Make sure your floor is clean and completely dust-free. No preparation is needed – neither is a primer – if you use Annie Sloan paint.
Allow the base coat to dry for at least an hour before you start stencilling.
Until the floor is sealed, wear your socks when walking across the floor to prevent it from becoming dirty.
If you’re worried about going skew with the stencil, make light marks with a pencil so you know where to place it as you go along.
Keep a small artist’s brush handy to neaten up any areas that you’re not happy with afterwards.
If you’re inexperienced, cover the base coat with a layer of water-based varnish before you do the stencilling. This will ensure a neater look because it’s easier to wipe off mistakes on the already smooth surface. Seal the entire floor once again afterwards.
The water-based varnish dries quickly but will be even harder after a few days. Don’t place or move heavy furniture on the floor for the first few days.