Have you ever stenciled a door mat? I made a doggie mat years ago for my cousins. At that time I bought a couple of two packs of run of the mill carpet pieces that you may use inside your door or in front of your washer or sink area. While cleaning out the guest room, I found the rugs and they had been stored for a long time and were curled up on the edges. I brought them to the living room and slipped them under the sofa so they could reshape themselves into their normal flatness. After they retained their shape, I pulled one out and got busy doing this quick and easy welcome mat project with some painter’s tape.
How to create a border on a diy welcome mat
I applied the tape all around the perimeter of the rug. Mine happens to be carpet fibers but you could also use an inexpensive sisal rug as well.
RELATED Content: Spray Painted Outdoor Rug for Camper
TIP: Don't waste tape
I wanted my outside border to be thick, so I made it as wide as the painter’s tape. Instead of wasting long pieces of tape, I used a couple of short pieces so that I knew where to place the second section of tape.
For the next section, I just sort of eyeballed it.
Use paper to protect unpainted areas
I used some printer paper to cover up the center of the rug. I reused those smaller pieces of tape that marked the outside border to hold the white paper in place.
Choose your favorite spray paint for the welcome mat
My first thought was to use black paint, but then I remembered I have this beautiful Oxford Blue (satin) from Krylon. It was cold outside, so I was working on this part of the project indoors. The paint had been stored indoors as well, so I decided that as long as the paint and the project were warm, I could get away with spray painting outdoors.
I rubbed the tape down the best I could, and laid the rug on the tarp. When spraying a project like this, it’s best to hold the can very horizontal so that the paint doesn’t accidentally spray under the tape.
Spray light coats evenly
I sprayed a very quick light coat all over and then did a slightly heavier second coat. This is after those two coats.
Remove tape carefully
I removed all the tape starting from the outside in, with the paper being the last to be removed.
ta-da! It’s done!
DIY Spray Painted Welcome Mat
Here it is outside my diy picket fence gate! I love, love, love the dark blue spray paint. I’m so glad I didn’t paint it black.
Do you think it’s missing a little somethin’ somethin’? Me too!
How to make a monogram stencil
I designed a “W” in my Silhouette program and used my Silhouette Portrait to cut it out of contact paper to use as a stencil.
After weeding the monogram from the contact paper, I laid it on the small rug to see how I wanted to place it. It fit perfectly in the center of the area I left.
I simply peeled the backing away and placed the contact paper stencil onto the rug.
Painter’s tape helps hold the contact paper stencil in place.
I used some white craft paper to protect the outer edges of the rug from the spray paint.
Because the contact paper doesn’t secure completely to the fibers of the rug, I had to be careful to spray straight down, and not to the side.
DIY Stenciled Monogrammed Welcome Mat
Perfect! I love, love, love how it turned out. This was such an easy project, it makes me wonder why I waited so long…. and I still have four more rugs left!
This is the Welcome Mat I made for the cousins. It says Welcome to Dogpatch! The pooch resting on the mat is my sweet Louie! By using contact paper stencils, there is really no limit in making your own custom welcome mat!
I would love for you to Pin it!
Be sure to visit my friends to see the fabulous “after” of all of these thrift store items . . .
Stenciled Wood Chest by Petticoat Junktion
Chalkboard Wall Art by Our Southern Home
Rattan Lamps by Domestically Speaking
Easy Spray Paint Welcome Mat by My Repurposed Life
Painted & Upholstered Stool Makeover by Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Repurposed Farmhouse Tote by Refresh Restyle
It’s all about the thrill of the hunt for me! Do you love thrift shopping as much as we do?
gail
Alicia | The DIY Homemaker
I love this spray paint welcome mat. You break it down for us so wonderfully. I am excited to try this. Thank you!
Gail Wilson
Awesome Alicia! Thanks for dropping a comment to let me know. I appreciate it.
gail
Jenni
I really like the WELCOME mat. I make the most of the materials on hand and you sure did.
Gail Wilson
Thanks Jenni! Happy to know we're like minded.
happy diy'ing!
gail
Wendi@H2OBungalow
Super way to upstyle a plain rug. Love the color and of course, I'm loving the "W"! Sometimes we forget about the easy DIYs that pack such a big punch. Pinned so I can remember to do this too in the near future!
Gail Wilson
Thanks for pinning Wendi! I appreciate it. It was fun to do a quick and easy project.
gail
April N
Where can I buy the rug at?
Gail Wilson
I think I got mine at Home Depot.
gail
Christy @ Our Southern Home
Thank you so much for the stencil technique! I need to do more of this with my Silhouette. Great new look!!!
Debbie @ Refresh Restyle
Love it Gail! You can send it to me, I need a "W" - send it to me when you get tired of it!! Pinning it so I can remember to make me one!!
Cheryl
Love it and the color you chose! The monogram definitely added to it!
Gail Wilson
Yes, I agree Cheryl. I love how the W fit perfectly in the middle. It really wasn't planned. I was just going to do the painter's tape pattern. 🙂
gail
Karen
You nailed it with that blue - just perfect!
Thanks for sharing that horizontal painting tip. I'm filing that away for the future. ????
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking
I need a new door mat... I might have to copy you 😉
Gail Wilson
Feel free to copy Maryann! I know if you do one of these it will be fabulous!
gail
kristin salazar
I love this idea and like how you added the letter in the middle, I'll be on the lookout for a rug 🙂
Gail Wilson
Kristin,
I buy random things when they are sale cheap at the Home Depot.... rugs, drop cloths, paint.... 🙂 It's a habit!
gail
Kathy
I've always wanted to try this. Just have to find the perfect rug/mat. Love yours with the monogram.
Gail Wilson
Thank you Kathy! This was fun (and easy) gotta love spray paint!
gail