Cheer Up Doormats with Painted Designs
Doormats often serve their basic purpose and do little more. That’s too bad, because a doormat gives visitors a first impression of your home and gets seen by everyone who comes and goes.
From Plain to Perfect. Fortunately, it’s easy to give doormats a cheerful, durable makeover with paint. Follow our simple steps to customize one of your own.
Make a Stencil
First, you’ll need to create a design for your rug on paper (either by hand or using a computer). Then firmly press the pattern onto the adhesive side of a sheet of contact paper. This helps prevent the paint from bleeding through the paper. Cut out the stencil’s shapes (inset).
Apply the Stencil Shapes
Next, arrange the stencil parts on the doormat. Then spray some stencil adhesive on the back of a piece, place it back in position face up, and firmly press it to the doormat.
Roll on the Paint
Now you can use a 3”-wide roller to apply paint evenly over the entire doormat. Press lightly – the first coat should barely cover the surface. When the paint dries, it creates a seal that will help keep the heavier second coat from seeping under the pieces of your stencil.
Fill in the Details
Use a stencil brush to apply paint to the pattern’s details. Then let the paint dry, and peel off all of the cutouts to reveal the design.
A Fun First Impression
This fun doormat takes advantage of the prime real estate that your front entry provides. It’s sure to provide a warm, friendly welcome to your guests.