top of page
Search

Big Art for Small Spaces with Perfect Paints!

This is a very narrow area of my living space. (I couldn't back up far enough to get a straight-on photo.)

A large wall adjacent to exiting the shower. The metal fish are hung quite high along the ceiling, but I didn't feel comfortable hanging anything else for fear of bumping it to hit the floor and break. Therefore, this stencil was the solution.



Colorful fish swim near coral on a vibrant blue underwater-themed wall. A silver octopus statue sits on a ledge below.
Big Art for Small Spaces with Perfect Paints!

SUPPLIES:

Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster - NEW colors!


Perfect Paints Shimmering Matte Acrylics:


Other supplies: Large Coral Stencil (Cutting Edge Stencils), #10 flat paint brush, masking tape, clear sealant, strong adhesive, rubbing alcohol, clean rag, two 15.5" sponge design placemats (Mainstays/Walmart), sanding block


Instructions:

  1. Begin by taping off a 4-foot work area.

  2. Tape the stencil into place at the desired height along the left margin.



Stencil of coral taped on a turquoise wall, with part of a red fish visible. The background features a textured, aquatic pattern.
Tape your stencil to your wall

  1. Apply Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster #1080 Bohemian Blue onto the stencil with a #10 flat paint brush. If desired, let dry and apply another coat. Remove the stencil and clean it thoroughly.

  2. Flip the stencil to mirror the first image and place it along the right margin. Apply Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster #1080 Bohemian Blue as in step 3.


Coral stencil taped on a turquoise wall with sea-green patterns, surrounded by stenciled coral designs. A colorful clownfish is at the top.
Reposition the stencil and continue on with more colors

  1. Position the stencil in the center of the first 2 on an angle, so the point of the coral is to the top.

  2. Apply Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster #1080 Boho Blue as in step 3.

  3. Paint highlights on all three corals with Perfect Paints Shimmering Matte Acrylics #1016 True Blue.

  4. Begin the second row of coral by finding the center of your space (2 foot mark). Place the stencil image (not the stencil itself) about an inch from the center line and 6" below the top of the first row of coral and facing in the opposite direction as the edge one above it. For instance, the top row right coral bends to the left, so this row will bend to the right.


  5. Colorful coral reef mural with orange and blue corals on a textured turquoise wall. A hint of a fish's tail at the top left.
    Big Art for Small Spaces with Perfect Paints!

    Tint Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster #1084 Clover Honey with Perfect Paints Shimmering Matte Acrylics #1017 Red Wagon and #1014 Rain Slicker to achieve and pretty orange/coral tone and apply two coats to the stencil with the #10 paint brush. Remove the stencil and clean it thoroughly.

  6. Flip the stencil to mirror the last image and repeat step 9.

  7. Paint highlights on both with Perfect Paints Shimmering Matte Acrylics #1003 Honey Gold.

  8. The final row of coral is placed about 6" lower than the last and the outer image is centered between the upper 2 rows. The image is facing the same as the first row, the right image bends left.

  9. Apply 2 coats of Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster #1072 Gilded Azure. Remove the stencil and clean it thoroughly.

  10. Flip the stencil and complete the left image as in step 13.

  11. Brighten up both outer corals by painting the entire coral with Perfect Paints Shimmering Matte Acrylics #1003 Rainstorm. The shimmer and dimension of the Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster beneath it adds its own shading.

    Abstract coral pattern on turquoise background, featuring orange and dark teal branches. No text. Marine-inspired design.
    Big Art for Small Spaces with Perfect Paints!

  12. The center stencil in the final row is 2 coats of Perfect Paints Polishing Plaster #1072 Gilded Azure.

  13. Lightly sand over all coral stenciled images with a sanding block. Wipe down with a damp cloth and let dry.

  14. Spray the stenciled design with sealant.

  15. Cut the placemats in half. Trim 1" off the bottom of 2 of the halves. These will be the outer "sponges".

  16. Place the left "sponge" 5" from the left tape margin. Place the right "sponge" 5" from the right tape margin. Then place the remaining half centered over them and aligned on bottom.

    Colorful coral artwork with blue and orange patterns on a teal background. Tape and small label visible at the bottom, depicting a coral reef scene.
    Do not hold with tape after applying glue. This was for placement only, and before I trimmed off 1" from the 2 outside pieces of "sponge" placemat.

  17. Make a little mark on the wall 5" in from both sides at the bottom.

  18. Brush Gorilla glue or other strong adhesive onto the back of the left and right "sponges" and adhere them to the wall. Let dry for a couple hours. Glue the center "sponge" in place. Some glue may seep through the holes. I recommend spraying rubbing alcohol onto a cloth rag and use it to gently press the pieces into place. Don't push too hard, as you don't want to seep alcohol into the adhesive that needs to hold them into place.


    With all the drying time in between the 8 coral images, this project took some time. But it was worth adding an artful focal point to a large barren space. I hope you are inspired to make your space beautiful.

    Art on,

    Becky

    Colorful fish and octopus sculpture on teal wall with coral design. Four fish swim above vibrant blue and pink coral pattern.
    Big Art for Small Spaces with Perfect Paints!



Comments

Recent Posts

Follow Us

  • Instagram Social Icon
  • Facebook Basic Square
  • Twitter Basic Square
  • Google+ Basic Square
bottom of page