How to Use Chalk Paste & Texture Paste With Stencils
Flat stenciling is beautiful, but sometimes a project needs dimension. Chalk paste and texture paste let you turn an ordinary stencil into a raised design that can look carved, embossed, aged or architectural.
You can use raised stenciling on furniture, drawer fronts, cabinet doors, signs, trays and decorative pieces—and once the texture is dry, you can paint, glaze, wax or highlight it to make the details stand out.
What Is Raised Stenciling?
Instead of applying a thin layer of paint through the stencil, you spread a thicker stencil-compatible paste across the openings. When you lift the stencil, the paste remains behind as a dimensional pattern.
The final look depends on the stencil, the thickness of the paste and what you do after it dries. A thin application creates subtle texture. A heavier application can create a much more dramatic relief.
Chalk Paste vs. Texture Paste: What's the Difference?
Names vary by manufacturer, so always follow the directions for the specific product you're using. In general, both are thicker than paint and can be used to create dimensional effects through a stencil.
Some products are formulated specifically for stenciling and decorative craft work, while others are designed as broader texture mediums. Dry time, hardness, flexibility, sanding and compatibility with topcoats can differ, so don't assume every paste behaves exactly the same.
What You'll Need
- A stencil
- Chalk paste or texture paste suitable for your project
- Palette knife, scraper or appropriate spreader
- Low-tack painter's tape or repositionable stencil adhesive
- Paper towels or a damp cloth for cleanup
- Measuring tools if you're creating a repeating design
- Optional paint, glaze, wax, metallic finish or topcoat for finishing
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Your surface should be clean, dry and stable. If you're working over painted furniture, make sure the base coat has had enough time to dry before placing tape or adhesive over it.
If you're starting with unfinished or previously finished furniture, our Sanding & Priming Furniture Guide will help you decide what preparation is needed.
Step 2: Position and Secure the Stencil
Plan the placement before opening the paste. Secure the stencil so it stays flat and cannot slide while you're spreading product across it.
For repeating patterns, identify registration points and lightly mark your layout. Raised paste is less forgiving to reposition than ordinary paint once it has been applied.
Step 3: Apply the Paste
Use a palette knife or scraper to spread paste across the stencil openings. Think of it like icing a cake: use enough material to fill the openings, but you don't need a mountain of paste sitting on top of the stencil.
Hold the spreader at a comfortable angle and work deliberately. Too many passes can force product underneath the stencil or disturb areas you've already smoothed.
Step 4: Remove the Excess
Before lifting the stencil, make a final controlled pass to remove excess paste and even out the surface. The stencil itself helps establish the height of the design.
Don't scrape so aggressively that you pull all of the paste back out of the openings.
Step 5: Lift the Stencil
Lift the stencil carefully rather than sliding it sideways. A sideways movement can smear the fresh raised design.
You do not need to wait for the paste to dry before removing the stencil unless the manufacturer specifically instructs otherwise. With many raised-stencil techniques, the stencil is removed while the paste is still wet.
Step 6: Let the Texture Dry
Leave the raised design alone until it has dried according to the product directions. Thick areas can take longer than thin ones.
Avoid pressing on the design just because the surface looks dry. Dimensional products may remain soft underneath for longer.
What If the Raised Stencil Has Little Peaks?
Small peaks and imperfections can actually add character to an aged finish. If you want a cleaner look, wait until the product is fully dry and then lightly smooth appropriate areas if the paste manufacturer allows sanding.
Don't try to aggressively “fix” wet texture with your fingers. That usually creates a bigger mess.
How Thick Should Texture Paste Be?
For most stencil work, the goal is to fill the stencil openings evenly rather than piling paste far above the stencil. A thicker application creates more dimension but also increases dry time and the chance of damaging delicate details.
Start modestly. Once you're comfortable with the product, you can experiment with more dramatic texture.
Can I Paint Over a Raised Stencil?
Yes. Once the texture is completely dry and compatible with the coating you're using, you can paint the entire piece—including the raised design—for a carved or architectural look.
This is one of our favorite ways to make an inexpensive flat surface look like it has decorative moulding.
How Do I Make the Raised Design Stand Out?
After the base finish is dry, you can emphasize the high points in several ways:
- Dry brushing: lightly catch the raised edges with a contrasting paint color.
- Wax: use decorative wax to highlight or age the texture.
- Glaze: allow glaze to settle into recessed areas for depth.
- Metallic finishes: lightly highlight the high points for an aged-gold, silver or other metallic effect.
- Layered paint: use multiple colors and selective distressing to make the relief look older.
Can I Use Raised Stencils With Furniture Transfers?
Absolutely, but plan the composition first. Raised texture creates a physical surface change, so a transfer generally applies most predictably to smoother areas.
A beautiful approach is to use raised stenciling as a border, corner detail or background element and let the transfer remain the main focal point.
Can I Use Raised Stencils With Moulds?
Yes. Raised stencil texture and cast mould embellishments can work beautifully together because they create different levels of dimension. Keep the overall design balanced so the piece doesn't become visually overloaded.
Can I Use Metallics Over Texture Paste?
Yes—and this is where raised stenciling can become really dramatic. Once the paste and any base paint are fully dry, a light metallic highlight can catch only the high points of the design.
Use a light hand. Metallics are most effective when they emphasize the dimension instead of covering every part of it equally.
Do Raised Stencils Need a Topcoat?
It depends on the paste, the paint/finish layered over it and how the furniture will be used. A decorative wall sign and a dresser top experience very different wear.
If protection is appropriate, choose a compatible finish for the entire system. Our Furniture Topcoat Guide explains the main types of protective finishes.
Common Raised-Stencil Mistakes
- Stencil moves: secure it before applying paste.
- Paste bleeds underneath: avoid excessive pressure and overworking.
- Design smears when stencil is removed: lift upward instead of dragging sideways.
- Texture cracks or damages: avoid overly heavy applications and follow the product's drying/application limits.
- Repeating pattern doesn't align: plan registration before applying paste.
- Base paint lifts: allow the underlying coating enough drying/cure time and use appropriate low-tack materials.
How Do I Clean the Stencil?
Don't let thick paste harden indefinitely on a delicate stencil. Clean it according to the stencil and paste manufacturer's instructions, taking extra care around small bridges and detailed openings.
Canterbury Creative's Beginner Advice
Practice one raised impression before working on your furniture. Use a scrap board or another practice surface and learn how much pressure your spreader needs, how thick the paste feels and how the stencil releases.
Raised stenciling looks advanced, but the basic technique is surprisingly approachable once you learn not to overwork the paste.
Keep Learning
If you're brand new to stencils, start with How to Use Stencils on Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide.
If your edges are bleeding or your pattern isn't behaving, see How to Fix Stencil Bleed & Common Stenciling Mistakes.
Next, we'll show you how to combine stencils, layered paint, waxes and metallic finishes to create more advanced furniture designs.
Shop What You Learned
Shop Decor Stencils → | Shop Stencil Tools → | Shop Texture & Effect Pastes →
- Canterbury Creative