how to align patterns

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • The stencil will curl naturally in one direction.
    Always install stencil curl-side towards the wall.

  • Always install stencil in one direction only — do not
    flip or rotate the rows of stencil.

  • It may be useful to use a bubble level or laser level to make sure your patterns are aligned and straight. A string line stretched tightly across the wall would also work.

  • Most stencil patterns can be trimmed to suit your needs or to accommodate features such as cabinets, windows and doorways.

  • Random stone patterns often feature an offset repeat

 

 

FIELD PATTERNS

All field patterns repeat every 66 inches. Straight-line brick patterns such as Basket Weave and Running Bond are fairly easy to line up. Random stone patterns such as Bushrock and Rustic Ashlar are a little trickier and often feature an offset repeat. Once you see where it lines up it becomes much easier to plan your patterns. This is also why we recommend pre-cutting your patterns before you begin work on the wall.

Keep in mind that in either case, the edge is designed to overlap each row, creating one uniform grout line, not two side-by-side.

ACCENT PIECES

Some accent pieces require no assembly, such as the Small Brick Rosette. For patterns in multiple pieces, simply align the straight edges of each section and overlap.

For circular patterns it may be helpful to scribe a guideline into the wet drywall joint compound. You will need a push-pin, a tape measure, a pencil, and some string.

  1. Prepare your wall and base coat as outlined in the Basic Installation
  2. When you're ready to install your stencil, go to the wall and find the point which will become the center of your circle design
  3. Mark that point with the push-pin
  4. Tie one end of the string to the push-pin
  5. Affix the pencil to the string at the appropriate radius for your circle (typically either 19", 33", or 44"). IMPORTANT: make sure the radius is slightly larger than the circle you are installing — this allows you to smooth out the guideline once the circle has been placed
  6. Lightly scribe or trace a line in the wet joint compound. It doesn't need to be deep, just enough to be visible.
  7. Take a step back and examine your work. If you're happy with the location and size of your guideline, remove the push-pin and proceed with installation. If you want to change the location of your guideline, simply smooth out your first marks and start over in the new spot.
  8. Using the guideline you created, align one section of your circle. Repeat until your pattern is complete, overlapping the straight edges of each piece. Keep in mind that your guideline is slightly larger than the actual design.
  9. If you make a mistake, don't worry! You can make minor adjustments to each piece directly on the wall. If you make a big mistake, remove the stencil from the wall and smooth out your joint compound, then place your stencil again.

HEADERS & BORDERS

Headers and borders are designed to be used in a single row, and as such there are no special instructions for alignment. Just keep them straight and level.

If you choose to install a double-wide border — two rows of the same border pattern — simply overlap the long straight edge. You can either align your stones or offset them in a stagger pattern. In most cases the offset alignment will look more natural, as your eye will have a harder time picking up the pattern's repeat, especially with random stone patterns.

    
    
distressed brick