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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Stenciled Bench

    Stenciled Bench

    Published by Gail | Published June 22, 2011 | Updated November 2, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Who doesn't love a great headboard bench? How to make a stenciled bench out of a headboard. Great tips for stenciling with spray paint. #MyRepurposedLife #upcycled #bed #bench via @repurposedlifeWho doesn't love a great headboard bench? How to make a stenciled bench out of a headboard. Great tips for stenciling with spray paint. #MyRepurposedLife #upcycled #bed #bench via @repurposedlife

    Stenciled Bench

    How to make a simple stenciled bench out of an old twin bed. Easy project with my step by step directions below.

    Today, I have another bench. Are ya’ll tired of benches yet? I also have a great tutorial on stenciling near the bottom of this post.

    Shop My Amazon Storefront to See my Favorite Tools and Products

    Simple twin headboard bench construction


    This bench was made out of a twin headboard and foot board. As always we (Cathy and I) cut the foot board in half to use as arms (sides) for the bench. I used my Kreg Jig   to make pocket holes to join the pieces together. It’s such a tight fit, you don’t need to use wood glue.

    Attaching front brace to headboard bench

    We used a 1x6 for the front brace.

    Assure headboard bench is level


    When using a level, make sure that you are working on a level surface. This is the ONLY level surface on my entire driveway.

    Paint and Primer twin bed stenciled bench

    The fabulous Finish Max was used to apply primer.

    I then used the paint sprayer to apply Dutch Boy Refresh in “sweetened white”.

    Not Shown: Hardwood flooring was used for the seat. I used my nail gun to attach plank seating. You can see more about that in my Twin Headboard Bench Tutorial.

    Design contact paper stencil

    silhouette contact paper stencil design


    I made my design in the Silhouette program. To get the "W" in welcome larger, I “ungrouped” the word. Then I centered the “elcome” with the “w”. To save money (and vinyl), I cut it out of my polka dotted contact paper.

    I peeled off the letters (leaving the oodles and boodles). I then applied the stencil onto the back of the bench. You can see that long piece of wood to the right that I used as a spacer when I attached the planks for the seat.
    Speaking of the seat, this was the most work we have ever put into a seat. It is hardwood flooring that we (cathy) sanded off the finish, and we  then stained with dark walnut. It was a honey oak color and I thought it was too light to use with a white bench.

    Spray paint contact paper stencil onto headboard bench

    I used plastic and Scotch Blue painters tape to protect the bench from overspray. A krylon spray paint with  primer and paint in one was used to spray the stencil. It worked fabulously on this project!

    Light coats of spray paint on stencil

    I started by spraying VERY light coats so that I didn’t have “bleed” happening under the stencil.

    Then I continued with several more very light coats, letting each coat dry in between.

    The last coat I applied a little heavier, but I laid the bench down, just to make sure there were no runs, drips, errors or bleeding. I had already removed the plastic when I remembered to take the picture.

    Removing all of the  plastic and tape was tedious, but a necessary step for sure. I had used small garbage bags to protect the posts of the headboard.

    Easy spray paint stencil

    The stenciled bench is almost done!

    After removing the contact paper stencil, you can still see the oodles and boodles.


    Voila! Virtually NO bleeding under this stencil. However, you can see I did have some over spray on the right. I used the Dutch Boy Refresh paint to touch that spot up.

    Stenciled Bench | Welcome

    Here is the bench at Unique Creations! Did you notice it in my post about the store where my booth is? When I went up there today, Kathy had it sitting out in  front of the store (outside) to display and draw in new customers! It made me smile to see it sitting there.
    It’s going to be very difficult for me to make solid headboard benches without painting some kind of words on there! I love it!

    See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial

    gail
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    See other fun benches here More ideas and benches Country Living

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    1. Sandra

      January 21, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      Did I miss the part that says what the size is of the dark wood seat slats and how they were attached to the bench?

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 21, 2019 at 6:16 pm

        Sandra,
        I apologize for the omission! I have updated the post with a link to another post Twin Headboard Bench Tutorial

        Being hardwood flooring the planks are narrow at about 2" each. You can space them, or butt them up against each other. It's really a matter or what you prefer.
        Thanks for stopping by! Don't be a stranger.
        gail

    2. Joe

      October 02, 2016 at 11:43 pm

      I absolutely love this idea and design! I will be building a very similar one tomorrow for my sister. Thanks for the great article!

      Reply
    3. Angela Rockwell

      July 20, 2015 at 10:45 pm

      I love the stenciled bench. This is a project I'd like to try!

      Reply
    4. Jan Goecks

      July 20, 2015 at 8:56 am

      This would look so awesome on my front porch

      Reply
    5. Jennifer Veit

      July 23, 2013 at 10:26 am

      This is my favorite project because its cute and creative.

      Reply
    6. Carwin Candids

      December 02, 2011 at 7:35 pm

      Hi Gail! I am making a headboard bench for a friend and I love the Welcome sign you did on the bench! Do you mind if I copy your idea? My mom always said copying is the highest form of flattery! You are awesome! Thanks! Mindi

      Reply
    7. Anonymous

      July 18, 2011 at 2:04 pm

      thank you

      Reply
    8. Lynda @ {ubersavvy}

      July 16, 2011 at 9:51 am

      Sensational!

      Reply
    9. Rachel Sue

      July 14, 2011 at 3:25 am

      This is amazing! I would love to feature this on Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle. Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Thanks!

      http://reuseandupcycle.blogspot.com

      Reply
    10. Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West)

      July 03, 2011 at 5:57 am

      thanks for linking up. we are featuring your bench! Love the combo of white and dark wood!! So clever to use a headboard. I will be trying this out as soon as I find a good headboard!
      Amy

      Reply
    11. I'm Busy Procrastinating

      June 29, 2011 at 1:34 am

      I like the mix of white with the wood tone. Very nice! And I know where you got that black spray paint. 😉

      Reply
    12. Cathy

      June 26, 2011 at 11:25 pm

      I know virtually nothing about the Silhouette machine but your comment mentioned that you used contact paper? Is that correct? Your bench is just gorgeous!!

      Reply
    13. Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West)

      June 26, 2011 at 1:15 pm

      I LOVE this bench. I absolutely LOVE the look of the dark with white. the stencil is a fabulous touch! I would LOVE for you to link this up at my link my party going on now.
      Amy
      http://www.Sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com

      Reply
    14. Amanda

      June 25, 2011 at 7:08 pm

      Love this Gail, it's awesome! I featured you today 🙂 http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/welcoming-stenciled-bench/

      Reply
    15. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking

      June 25, 2011 at 5:00 am

      Another great bench Gail! I WILL eventually make one. 🙂 I've got a king size headboard sitting in my garage just begging to be transformed. I'm putting your bench in the PoPP Spotlight.

      Reply
    16. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

      June 23, 2011 at 7:49 pm

      This one turned out fantastic Gail! I love the stencil you used. I have plans to turn one of my boys twin beds into a bench as soon as I find a daybed to replace it.

      So glad you are okay from that storm. I meant to comment earlier but I had read it on my phone and couldn't.

      Reply
    17. Terri

      June 23, 2011 at 3:19 pm

      First of all, I am sure I can speak for EVERYONE when I say we never get tired of seeing your adorable benches (or anything else for that matter)!! Second...Oh-Em-Gee!...this is freakin' adorable. I don't feel the "need" to make every cute item I see on all blogs, but I must say I am obsessed with your benches (Play Kitchen's were another thing I became obsessed with, and I wasn't happy till I made one).

      Now I have a question...since I don't have one of those Kreg Jig Jr. thingy's, is there any other way that I could attach the side pieces (footboard)?

      Reply
    18. simplydesigning.blogspot.com

      June 23, 2011 at 12:56 pm

      Wow!! This is amazing!!

      I saw a bench the other day where the sides were made from chair backs...but I couldn't figure out the back of the bench...perhaps a headboard 🙂 I love it! So creative!

      I host a weekly Friday link party I would love you to join if you are interested.

      Ashley
      http://www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com

      Reply
    19. Katie

      June 23, 2011 at 12:38 pm

      WOW!~ This is amazing! I can't wait to show my husband who is a woodworker how awesome this bench came out.

      I found you via HOH link party and am your newest follower. I hope you'll come by Sew Woodsy and take a visit!

      Reply
    20. Decor & Harmony @ 4290

      June 23, 2011 at 12:30 pm

      Gail, what a great bench! I love the stencil too. You have got some guts! I'm afraid to drill a hole 🙂

      Reply
    21. Decor & Harmony @ 4290

      June 23, 2011 at 12:30 pm

      Gail, what a great bench! I love the stencil too. You have got some guts! I'm afraid to drill a hole 🙂

      Reply
    22. Love Of Quilts

      June 23, 2011 at 6:53 am

      You just keep getting better and better at this...I don't get tried of them. I think they are so neat.I would like to have one in my bed room...if I can get hubby to make one. Trish

      Reply
    23. The Sterling Cherub

      June 23, 2011 at 4:30 am

      Wow is that an impressive project! Just so well done, and so delightful. The person who buys that is really lucky to get such a nice piece!

      Best,

      Kimberly

      Reply
    24. ~ Regan

      June 23, 2011 at 3:44 am

      I have GOT to get a Kreg Jig.

      These benches are so darn cute, I would love to have one in my garden. I'm sure with a good coat of exterior paint or poly any type of wood would hold up, right?

      Love the stencil job, too.

      Reply
    25. Alyssa - Live, Love, Craft

      June 23, 2011 at 1:01 am

      Love it! What kind of paint sprayer do you use and where did you get it? Thank you!!

      Reply
    26. Pam

      June 22, 2011 at 11:49 pm

      I love that one Gail. It looks so nice and the Welcome makes it so inviting.

      Reply
    27. Meg and Mum's

      June 22, 2011 at 9:38 pm

      This is just amazing! I love it and I want it! I'm gonna have to get me one of those Silhouette machines...
      Beautiful job as always 🙂

      Reply
    28. Shirlee

      June 22, 2011 at 8:20 pm

      I think this is my favourite one of all. The stencil really makes it special and I'm sure it will be sold very quickly.

      Reply
    29. Toqua's Crafts

      June 22, 2011 at 5:50 pm

      Another beautiful creation from a beautiful lady!

      Reply
    30. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking

      June 22, 2011 at 4:59 pm

      Love it!
      (I am never tired of seeing your benches)

      Reply
    31. Full Circle Creations

      June 22, 2011 at 4:09 pm

      I just love it! Love the dark wood slats! Great job once again!

      Holly

      Reply
    32. Katie

      June 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      Gail I love it!! I haven't seen a bed/bench like this one yes! I love the dark wood slats!!

      Reply
    33. Korrie@RedHenHome

      June 22, 2011 at 1:44 pm

      The bench is lovely! I love using my Silhouette to create stencils as well...it's the best!

      Reply
    34. Proper Prim

      June 22, 2011 at 1:40 pm

      Simply gorgeous Gail... love everything about it.

      Hugs, Deb

      Reply
    35. LrSchwtz

      June 22, 2011 at 1:23 pm

      I am so impressed! You did a fabulous job creating the bench, and it looks stunning! Please stop by http://www.laughloveandcraft.com and link up to my Share the Wealth Wednesday Link Party! I'm your newest follower!

      Reply
    36. Debbie

      June 22, 2011 at 1:04 pm

      If I were near there I'd go get that bench for my porch. Love the font and the whole thing. You're so good!

      Reply
    37. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      June 22, 2011 at 12:17 pm

      that looks fabulous! like amanda, i like the dark and white contrast... the seat is really cool! it almost reminds me of piano keys with its black and white...

      Reply
    38. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      June 22, 2011 at 12:17 pm

      that looks fabulous! like amanda, i like the dark and white contrast... the seat is really cool! it almost reminds me of piano keys with its black and white...

      Reply
    39. Amanda

      June 22, 2011 at 9:14 am

      The bench looks wonderful, love the contrast of light and dark. I can't imagine anyone wanting furniture let alone a bench without some wording on it! Hubby is lucky I haven't stencilled every piece of furniture in the house!

      Thanks for sharing another great project!

      Reply
    40. Lori

      June 22, 2011 at 8:31 am

      I love this! I'm going to try it myself. I've been collecting so many things to remake lately, my daughter has a fear of me turning into a hoarder..lol. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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