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.

blank630x20

 

 

 

63 responses

  1. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    Can you seal it after you paint it. Or maybe put some sealer gloss or modge pods in the paint?

  2. Divyanshu Rawat Avatar
    Divyanshu Rawat

    Actually this is a very unique and clever idea.

  3. Geneva Espinoza Avatar
    Geneva Espinoza

    I was so excited to see this cause I had paint left and a couple carpets I had that were given to me and just out of date. I am so excited to do my and I started already. Thank you so much for the step by step post and you did an amazing job.

  4. Leah Kuznetsova Avatar
    Leah Kuznetsova

    After you painted the rug with white, did it get dirty? Can you clean the white painted part?

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      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!

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  31. Karen Kenyon Avatar
    Karen Kenyon

    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?

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      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!

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  33. Indah Nuria Savitri Avatar
    Indah Nuria Savitri

    it looks great! `i don’t know whether I can do it as neat as you but it looks lovely indeed

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      It mainly takes patience rather than artistic skill. Glad my daughter did it as I don’t have a high level of either. lol! Thanks for visiting Indah.

  34. Mari Avatar
    Mari

    Awesome share just pinned a must try!!! Thanks for idea

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      You’re very welcome Mari. Thanks for stopping by!

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  37. Evija Avatar
    Evija

    WOW, you have a patience of a saint!! Such a lovely makeover, thank you so much for sharing with #OMHGWW. Such a pleasure featuring you this week! Have a great week! http://fromevijawithlove.com/2016/03/01/wonderful-wednesday-link-party-1-in-march-and-cash-giveaway/

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      Thank so much Evija! I shared your link on all my social networks!

  38. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    How very clever! I never thought of painting carpet. This might change my entire rug search. Will definitely be checking for closed loop now 🙂

    Thanks for the idea!

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      Appreciate the comment Christine.

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  44. Christine at Must Love Home Avatar
    Christine at Must Love Home

    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

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      Thank you Christine and thank you SO much for the feature! I’ll share you link everywhere!

  45. Lauren @ Mom Home Guide Avatar
    Lauren @ Mom Home Guide

    I love this idea! Thanks for sharing it at Craft Frenzy Friday on Mom Home Guide!

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      Thanks for visiting Lauren!

  46. Foodeegurl Avatar
    Foodeegurl

    Does the paint dry really hard?

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      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.

  47. creativejewishmom/sara Avatar
    creativejewishmom/sara

    wow, that is some makeover! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      Thank you. Ü

  48. Lis Avatar
    Lis

    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!!

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      Thanks Lis. I’m pretty happy with it!

  49. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    That turned out amazing!! I’d be nervous somewhere along the line I’d screw up!!

    Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty!

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  51. Linda at Mixed Kreations Avatar
    Linda at Mixed Kreations

    Oh wow that turned out gorgeous, you did a fantastic job! Thanks for sharing how to do this ! Pinning!

    1. Nancy Avatar
      Nancy

      Thanks Linda! Ü

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.

I’m Nancy, and this blog is dedicated to helping you build a joyful life, one creative project at a time.

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