How to Stencil & Paint Carpet. Give Your Rugs a Makeover!

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.

blank630x20jenny.creationYes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint. You can paint on a variety of designs from squares or diamonds to circles. We chose a Moroccan design and you can grab the free pattern for that below!

This is just one more inexpensive way to update your home. Need more ideas? Check out our “Budget Bedroom Makeover” series!  FYI this project was done by our daughter Jennifer.blank630x20

Stencil & Paint Carpet Supplies

  • Closed loop rug or carpet (A low pile open loop carpet might work if its VERY low and very tight.)
  • Stencil of your choice (or ours below)
  • Masking tape or chalk pencil to mark the carpet with
  • Any indoor latex paint
  • Brush

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.

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Moroccan Stencil Download

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.

17″x23″

Download Now!

7.5″x10″

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Graphic

Download Now!

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Instructions

  1. Create a stencil out of paper or poster board.
  2. Start in the center of the rug and work your way out with the stencil using masking tape to outline the stencil shape as shown below.   Yes, this is a bit tedious and takes some time to do. Just turn on the radio or watch some TV while you work.  You could also use a chalk pencil to outline your stencil if you find one that works with your carpet and shows up well. That would be much quicker.
  3. After you’ve taped off or outlined your stencil, fill in the areas where the stencil was laid with paint, being careful not to push the paint under the tape if you’re using it.  Depending on the pattern used and the type of carpet, a foam roller might work. We used a small bristle brush for ours.
  4. After it dries, determine if it needs another coat or two.
  5. After all coats have dried remove the tape.

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The rug we gave a makeover to was one I’d had for quite a few years.

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.

blank630x20Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20 Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.blank630x20Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.

blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.

blank630x20

Yes, even carpets can get a makeover! Whether it’s a larger area rug or a throw rug, you can paint carpet using a stencil and regular interior latex paint.

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60 Comments

    1. Nancy Author
      · Edit

      Yes it will get dirty just like any other part. It will also wear off on a high traffic area eventually. I’m not sure how it would stand up to cleaning. That might remove more of it also. Mine was done on a carpet that was under a coffee table so it did not get a lot of traffic but the outside edges did eventually get lighter. Thanks for stopping by Leah!

      Reply
  28. Karen Kenyon
    · Edit

    I noticed you stenciled over a solid color rug. I have a rug that is colorful. Can I paint my entire rug over in a solid cover then do a stencil? I have my doubts about how practical that would be. Plus my rug is in a high traffic area. What are your thoughts?

    Reply
    1. Nancy Author
      · Edit

      Hi Karen! Unfortunately that probably wouldn’t work too well at all. The stencil process has to be a fairly light coat so it only goes on the top of the nap and the original carpet will show through a bit. This works best for smaller stencils and patterns. Its just not practical for larger areas. Also, the high traffic area will wear the paint off pretty fast. Mine is not in too high an area but its already gotten a lot lighter. Sorry that won’t work for you. A carpet would almost have to be dyed to change color which is not practical either. Ü Good luck with whatever you attempt and thanks so much for visiting!

      Reply
  41. Christine at Must Love Home
    · Edit

    Loved your project!! You have been Pinned, Tweeted and Posted to Facebook! Congratulations -Your post will be featured this week at the Friday Favorites Link Party. The party goes LIVE on Thursdays at 7PM at mustlovehome.com. I hope to see your there! Hugs – Christine at Must Love Home

    Reply
    1. Nancy Author
      · Edit

      Hello! Yes, the paint will have a rougher feel than the carpet if you touch it with your hand. (Which I just ran out and did.) If you do more than one layer it will get a little rougher depending on how much paint is applied.

      Reply
  45. Lis
    · Edit

    It’s just amazing how contemporary this carpet now looks. When you get tired of it you could even add more detail or other colors to the basic pattern.
    Thanks for sharing – love it!!

    Reply

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