https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/chevron-place-mats • Posted by GMC Group
Stencil-printed cork mats make a retro classic into a graphic must-have. For an extra twist use a metallic paint as a contrast. Perfect for jazzing up your table.
Stencil-printed cork mats make a retro classic into a graphic must-have. For an extra twist use a metallic paint as a contrast. Perfect for jazzing up your table.
Start by cutting your masking tape into 17 strips of 2 3⁄4in (7cm) long.
Now use the tape measure to find the centre of your cork place mat. Mark the place with a small pencil dot.
Stick your first piece of masking tape to the cork mat, using the dot you made as a marker for the top left-hand corner of the masking tape. Using your tape measure, mark a vertical line down the masking tape as shown.
Now stick the next piece of masking tape over the top of the first, creating an upside down V shape. The line you have just drawn acts as a guideline to ensure it is being stuck down evenly.
Repeat this process across the middle of the mat to create a zigzag effect.
Leaving a gap that is the same distance as the width of the tape, start your next line of masking tape zigzags in the same way.
Now do the same at the top of the mat, leaving you with an even coverage of zigzags.
You are now ready to paint. Blob out a little paint onto an old plate or palette.
Take your stencil brush and dab it into the paint. Holding the brush vertically to the mat, dab the paint onto the exposed cork areas.
Keep going across the whole middle section. Then do the same for the bottom and top, taking care to paint an even coverage.
You may find you need to add an extra coat depending on how water-based your paint is, so leave it to dry and assess the situation after an hour or so. Once you are happy with how it looks and the paint is dry, slowly peel off the masking tape.
Repeat this process on the rest of your cork mats until you have as many as you need.