For easier movement on flat paint, roll a solid layer of clear glaze on the rectangle first letting it dry overnight. This will help the layers of paint move and blend more easily. The real key to success for this kind of technqiue is to move at a brisk but steady pace through each layer and give each color plenty of time to dry.
Using a pencil, tape measure and long level, mark out an oversized rectangle on the wall. Mark off the rectangle with painter’s tape.
Lightly draw a level line where you want to place the top of the stencil. Peel just the top section of the decal stencil then place and press the top of the stencil into place. Secure the corners with painter’s tape.
Slowly peel the rest of the backing from the stencil, pressing and smoothing the decal stencil against the wall as you go.
Using the burnishing tool provided in the stencil kit, smooth the decal firmly to the wall pressing out bubbles and securing the entire stencil firmly to the wall.
Pour the lightest paint color in a paint tray and add water to thin the paint. Apply paint onto the wall with a roller starting at the bottom of the rectangle, working up towards the top in large, fast patches. Use a paintbrush to blend the paint with fast, light strokes filling the entire rectangle.
If the paint is soaking into the wall too quickly, dip the tips of the brush in water to reactivate and blend the paint.
With next darker color, repeat the process blending the paint in large patches up to about 3/4 of the rectangle. Soften and blend the top edge for a subtle transition between the two colors.
Continue with the third color, blending about 1/4 lower than the previous color for a rustic, gradated effect.
When your satistified with the upper section, start on the fourth color, blending about 1/4 lower than the previous color for a rustic, gradated effect.
With an artist paintbrush, highlight the strongest details of the stencil shape by outlining those edges in a sharp warm red paint.
Slowly peel off the stencil and painter’s tape.