One of the first things a guest will see when visiting your home is the welcome mat.Finding the perfect mat can be difficult, but you don't have to stick with something you do not like.Why don't you paint your own?You can make your own welcome mat with a little time, paint, and effort.
Step 1: Get a door.
The flat ones with a low pile are the best ones to use.The typical coir mats may require multiple layers of paint, as they do soak up a lot.The mat can be any shape or size.It doesn't have to be new.It could be an old one.
Step 2: If it's dirty, clean it.
If the doormat is being used, you might want to beat it with a bristle brush or vacuum it to get rid of any dust or debris.Dust and dirt can get mixed into the paint and make it dull.Cut loose ends on your mat with a pair of scissors.
Step 3: Your work area should be well-ventilated.
You can work in a large room if there are several windows open.You can cover the floor with newspapers, a cloth, or garbage bags.
Step 4: You can choose your paint.
Either spray paint or liquid paint can be used.Large areas can be covered with spray paint.It is very easy to use.Liquid paint can be applied with a foam brush.If you are using spray paint, make sure it is labeled as being indoor or outdoor.Paint on the interior and exterior will work.Make sure that the liquid paint you are using is meant for outdoors.It is a good choice to paint the porch.
Step 5: If you want to cover up an old design, spray paint it.
If you don't want the raw material to show, you can also do this with a brand new mat.Primer is used to make it more durable.Before applying the stencil, let the paint dry completely.
Step 6: Have your stencil ready.
You can purchase a stencil from the store.You will have to make your own from scratch if you want a more unique design.Continue to read to find out how.If you are using a store bought stencil, use painter's tape or masking tape to secure it.If it is small, you should use newspaper to protect it from the spray paint.
Step 7: To make it bigger, cut a sheet of contact paper.
It would be a good idea to do this even if your design is small.You can keep the rest of your mat clean while you paint.
Step 8: Your design can be printed on a sheet of paper.
If you have a large design, you may need to print it out on several sheets of paper.You can use a stencil to draw your design onto the back of your contact paper.Make sure that your design is large enough to fit on the mat.
Step 9: Attach your design to the paper.
You can skip this step if you drew your design directly onto the back of the contact paper.
Step 10: Use a craft knife or Xacto blade to cut the design.
Place the paper on the mat with the stencil facing upward.You can cut through both printed paper and contact paper with a craft knife.When you are done, remove any pieces of tape and regular paper that are stuck to the contact paper stencil.You can use a sheet of cardboard if you don't own a cutting mat.
Step 11: Remove the backing from the paper, then press the stencil onto the mat.
Contact paper is not very sticky, so it won't stick to your door.You can secure it with sewing pins.The pins can be poked through the contact paper and into the mat.There are areas that have a lot of detail.Some people think spraying the back of the paper will help it stick.
Step 12: The stencil should be painted over.
You can use spray paint or acrylic paint.The material may be soaking the paint up quickly as you are painting.Go back over those areas after a few minutes.Wait for the first coat to dry if you want to add more colors.If you are using spray paint, hold the can away from the mat and spray straight down.The force of the paint on the stencil prevents bleeding.Press the brush against the bristles of the mat if you are using a foam brush.Use a tapping motion to apply the paint.You'll risk getting paint under the stencil if you paint back-and-forth.
Step 13: If you want, you can add a second coat or details.
It can take up to 24 hours for the paint to dry.
Step 14: The stencil needs to be removed.
The paint is still wet.Once you are done painting, carefully remove any pins or pieces of tape, then peel the stencil away.Don't touch your design.It might be wet around the edges even if it looks dry.
Step 15: Let the paint dry.
Setting it out in a sunny spot for a few hours will speed things up.If you are using liquid paint, be sure to read the label carefully, some paints require a curing time as well.
Step 16: You can use your doormat.
Once the paint is completely dry and cured, place your doormat in front of your door.The colors may fade over time because the fibers are only painted.