Raised Plaster Stenciling

Create Dimension with 3-D Stenciling

Apr 1, 2009 Carol Wallace

Creating raised plaster designs on walls, woodwork and cabinetry using stencils is as easy as 1-2-3.

All you need to create an exciting dimensional look on walls, doors and drawers, or even ceilings is a stencil made of fairly thick plastic, some joint compound and a putty knife or small trowel.

This is a good project even for the lazy crafter, since once the joint compound is applied to the stencil, that stencil is immediately removed. The joint compound must dry before the stencil can be repositioned to prevent smearing.

The Stencils

There are many stencils made specifically for dimensional work. One of the best sources is Victoria Larsen Designs, Larsen originated the idea of stencils for plaster.. However, they are becoming more widely available at many stencil companies. Just do an Internet search for plaster stencils..

Crafts stores carry many stencils in heavy pink plastic which will also yield satisfactory results. These aren’t made specifically for plaster, but have enough thickness to produce a raised effect on the stenciled surface.

The advantage to stencils made specifically for plaster is that many come with two or three overlays. The more overlays, the more dimensional the end effect will be, as stenciling over an already raised area produces a deeper layered effect – such as a leaf overlapping a tree branch.

Some plaster stencils are quite small and can be used to decorate small wooden boxes or picture frames, but some are quite huge, such as Roman columns and full wall-sized trees. Some are created in semi-circles which allow the formation of raised plaster ceiling medallions.

The Stenciling Medium

Joint compound is relatively inexpensive and quick drying, and is probably the best medium for indoor plaster stenciling.

It can be tinted with acrylic paint, or, for deeper tones, with frosting coloring found in the baking aisle. A few drops can create a surprisingly deep color. Even deep colored acrylic paints produce pastels, because the joint compound itself is pure white.

A friendly paint store may consent to tint the plaster for you using the universal colorants they use to color paint. The joint compound can also be left plain white, or painted over once the entire project is dry.

Glazing media can work, but painting and glazing after the fact work best if you are painting the entire surface that has been stenciled. If you try to paint over the design after the plaster has dried you run the risk of either smearing on the wall or leaving exposed white edges.

For outdoors, or in a bathroom with high humidity, it is best to use powdered putty mixed with diluted white glue – two parts water to one part glue until the powder becomes the consistency of peanut butter. Wood putty, sometimes called water putty is good, but will dry to a yellowish color. A product called Fix-All dries white.

The Technique

Once the plaster medium is ready – and tinted if needs be – simply affix the stencil to the wall with either masking tape or spray adhesive. Make sure it is taut against the wall to prevent the plaster form bleeding outside the openings. Then put some plaster on your putty knife and spread it across the stencil openings, rather like frosting a cake. Remove the stencil immediately. Wait a few moments and then place it in the next desired position.

Repeat the process until you have achieved the desired effect. That’s all there is to it.

While this process may take a long time because of the need to wait while each coat dries, it isn’t labor intensive, and can produce a striking effect.

Adding Extra Dimension

To create a really exciting dimensional effect, first stencil in the desired area using gray paint. Then move the stencil a fraction of an inch up or down, and to the right or left, and use the plaster. This will create the effect of a drop shadow, which is really quite dramatic.

For a more comprehensive review of the craft, see Stenciling with Plaster.

The copyright of the article Raised Plaster Stenciling in Crafts is owned by Carol Wallace. Permission to republish Raised Plaster Stenciling in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

glazed stencil on woodwork