How to Create a Faux Tile Transformation

Unfinished basements can always seem like a HUGE expensive project to begin that sometimes just gets pushed off again and again. What if I told you there is a fun, easy, and affordable way to transform your concrete flooring?? Painting and Stenciling concrete flooring is the answer. This process could be so useful in unfinished basements, laundry rooms, garages, etc. 

Where do I Start??

When painting a floor you want to make sure you pick some paint that is compatible with you flooring! For this look I was painting a concrete floor in a basement so I used a waterproof outdoor paint to make sure my base coat was super durable. After you have your paint its time to choose your stencil!

On Stencilmepretty.com we have many patterns that are "allover" patterns which means they have registration marks so that you can line up your previous stencil with the next to assure a straight design. I used the Sunburst Tile Stencil to create the look above and it suited the space so beautifully!

Let the Transformation Begin!

Before painting your base coat, make sure to clean your floor to assure there are no oils on the floor. Also make sure that you have anything you need out of the room because once the floor is painting the room will be out of commission for a couple days. Once its all clean its time to begin painting the base coat. Make sure to wait to follow the directions on your paint can of how long to wait before applying the next coat! 

After the basecoat is all dry its time to start stenciling!

Here are my favorite products I like to have by my side when stenciling a floor:

• Foam Roller - Dense foam rollers are the best type to use when stenciling
• Tape - to make sure your stencil doesn't move around in the process
• Knee pads - I made the mistake of not having these on one of my floor designs and I really regretted not having that extra cushion. Your knees will thank you!!
• Extra Brushes - I like to have these on hand incase any touch ups are needed at the end
• A Sink - its very helpful to have a sink available to clean your stencil off every now and then during the project
• Towel - I like have a towel next to me so then I can place my stencil on it during breaks without getting any unwanted paint on the floor. 

The Stenciling Process

During the actually stenciling, I use light pressure and minimal paint on my roller to assure no bleed through. I also roll off an excess paint on my towel to even out the amount of paint on my roller. After rolling on the first stencil, remove your stencil to reveal the first design!! Then its time to line up your registration marks on the next. 

After the stenciling, wait for the final drying time of your paint before sealing! I waited 72 hours after painting but make sure to read the label on your specific paint and sealer! I used a concrete paint sealer since I was painting a basement floor. I applied a thin coat over the whole floor and then let that dry for 48 hours until walking on it. 

Top 5 Tips to Know Before Stenciling Your Floor

1. Create a Sample - Paint a test run before stenciling on your floor to assure you like your color palette you chose before committing to the whole floor. 
2. Stay Patient - This process takes time and the quicker you try to get it finished the more mistakes will be made. Wait the whole drying time for all of the paint and sealing processes. If you try to seal paint to early, it could react badly so make sure to save all your hard work!
3. Know your Escape Plan - To avoid stepping on wet paint, begin painting and stenciling at the farthest point in the room from the exit. You want to make sure that you never paint yourself into a corner.
4. Clean you Stencil - wipe off your stencil a couple times throughout the process. After so many stencils,  some paint can build up making it more difficult to get those crisp lines.
5. Have fun - The stenciling process is so fun and so worth it in the end. Make sure to listen to some good music, take plenty of breaks, eat food, stay hydrated and enjoy your DIY project! 

Here is a YouTube Video on this process:

•  Check out our full collection of tile stencils here.
• The pattern used in this tutorial is our Sunburst tile pattern found here!