How to Make a Stenciled Folding Screen

One of the biggest challenges for most renters is storage – What do you do with all your stuff if you have limited space?  Make your storage work for you. Use a folding screen – specifically one that you can personalize or accessorize, so you hide almost anything behind the screen – a bike, unpacked boxes – and create instant artwork by adding color and pattern to your space. Go wild with your own design, or create a bold, graphic pattern using a stencil like the African Kuba design from my new Global Glam line of wall-sized stencils, available exclusively through Cutting Edge Stencils.

Supplies:  (1) paintable folding screen (made of canvas or wood), (1) large stencil design, (2) shades of interior latex wall paint, (2) paint rollers, (1) can of non-permanent spray adhesive

Step 1: Prepare your folding screen by painting two layers of your first paint color, completely covering each panel of the screen. Let the paint dry completely before moving to Step 2. {Note: See inset below to help visualize how each of your two paint colors will work in the stencil design}

Step 2: Lay the folding screen flat on the floor, with all panels fully extended. Spray a thin layer of adhesive onto the stencil, and place it in the top left corner of the first screen (this step helps prevent paint bleed at the stencil’s edges). To create a seamless design, you may want to allow part of the stencil to extend over the edge of the first panel – this will allow the stencil design to reach the edge of the panel, and avoid extra work or touch-ups later on.

Step 3: Roll your second color of paint over the stencil. I also like to keep some folded paper towels at hand so I can roll off a bit of the excess paint before applying it to the stencil. You’ll need to apply firm pressure as you paint, because if the roller is overloaded, you’ll end up having lots of bleeds.

Step 4: Carefully lift off the stencil and position onto the next section to paint. Use built-in guides to line up the design. Reapply spray adhesive as necessary to secure the stencil.

Step 5: Let the screen dry fully and then place it in any space to help disguise storage.

I hope you find this tutorial helpful! Happy Decorating!

This article was written by TV host and design expert Kim Myles, who partnered with Apartment Guide for the 2012 “Your Picks. Your Place.” sweepstakes. Kim Myles won the HGTV reality series “Design Star 2” and hosts HGTV’s “Myles of Style.”