Bring the luxurious look of terrazzo to your floor and walls for less by using this super easy paint and stencil technique. All you need to recreate this stenciled finish are two colors of paint, some basic tools, and the simple DIY paint and stencil techniques outlined in our How to Stencil video and step by step below.
Use this stenciled finish on floors, backsplash walls, and even tabletops with great effect. Have fun adding different colors and shades of paint to your “terrazzo stone” to take this stenciled finish to the next level.
Stencil Supplies:
- Terrazzo Tile Stencil
- Stencil Roller/Tray
- 2” Chip Brush
- Natural Sea Sponge
- Paint Colors: Satin Black, Linen White (Behr Marquee Flat Latex)
- Topcoat: Diamond Varathane Satin Water-based Polyurethane
Step 1:
Basecoat your surface with 2 coats of Satin Black. Note: if you are doing this technique over existing tile or linoleum please see How to Paint and Stencil Ceramic Floor Tiles for surface preparation tips.
Step 2:
Use a foam roller to apply 2 coats of Linen White through the Terrazzo tile stencil. Be sure to work the paint well into the foam roller and OFFLOAD excess onto paper towels to prevent stencil paint seepage. Stencil your whole surface before going on to step 3.
Step 3:
Put some of the Satin Black base paint into a small plastic container and add water to make a “drippy” consistency.
Dip the chip brush in the paint and flick over the surface in a small, workable area (about the size of one stencil repeat) to create large spots.
Use the same still-loaded paint brush afterwards to release smaller spots of paint over the surface by running your finger over the bristles. This process is called fly-specking.
Step 4:
Use a damp sea sponge almost immediately to soften, blur, and blend the paint drops randomly.
Step 5:
Repeat the large paint drops and fly-specking over the entire surface to add additional texture as desired.
Step 6:
Protect your surface (particularly if it’s a stenciled floor, countertop, or tabletop) by rolling on 2 coats of water-based polyurethane, such as Diamond Varathane in a satin finish.
Looking for some more advanced stencil techniques to try? Try these:
- How to Stencil a DIY Watercolor Mural
- How to Stencil a Mermaid Fishscales Wall
- Easy Stencil Technique for Realistic Looking Brick
