While Jess has been working on some indoor projects, I’ve been focused on our patio, and today’s tutorial actually had me fist pumping quite a bit while I was doing it. Now, you’re getting a sneak peak of the patio, but I’m not doing a real reveal until it’s 100% finished (We’re waiting on the lights we ordered and we’ve already started on a little addition!) So, don’t focus on the patio, just the DIY project okay? 
I knew that spray painting my outdoor rug, rather than hand painting it, would save me time, but I
had no idea just how simple it would be and how much I was going to love it! I wanted an awesome outdoor rug for the sitting area, but man alive, are they pricey! Jess actually found this insanely cheap outdoor rug at Home Depot for a project at her house, so I jumped on the cheap rug bandwagon and got one too! Check out that price… $17.88!!
I did a project on one of our Nate Show episodes last Christmas, and it got me thinking… I really didn’t want to spend a long time painting a rug, perhaps I could try something a little easier (I’m all about the lazy-man’s DIY).
To make those canvases, I just laid a reindeer template on the canvas and spray painted over it. When I peeled the template off, I was left with pure awesomeness! I decided to give that method a whirl with the rug.
Materials:
Plain outdoor rug
Stencil
Spray Adhesive
Spray Paint (6×8 required 3 cans)
Scrap or Newspaper
1- Spray the back of your high quality stencil with spray adhesive (I only sprayed it 2x for the whole rug). I had this Chez Sheik Moroccan Stencil already from Royal Design Studios (they’re our favorite!). Then, choose one corner of the rug to place your stencil in. I honestly only leveled and squared by eye and it worked out perfectly.
2- Use scrap or newspaper to cover the area around the stencil.
3- Spray the stencil with your paint. I used Valspar’s Outdoor White so that it will hold up against all kinds of weather (including the million degree heat we’re having right now!)
When you’re spraying, you’ll want to spray directly down onto the rug, to prevent any bleeding, and hold your can a lot closer than you normally would. I found about 4 inches gave me quick, solid coverage.
As soon as I was done with one section, I moved onto the next. I didn’t have to wait for any drying time etc.
Here’s some evidence of how fast and easy this project is… Each star represents something (from bottom left) 1- I didn’t bother with a drop cloth. 2- I just moved the sticks from the thunder storm to the side. 3- Child #3’s scooter 4- Child #2’s skateboard (I knew I’d be out of their way fast!) 5- Plywood from another DIY 6- Recycling bins I was supposed to take to the street, but hey they can wait 20 minutes for this project right?
Here’s the patio sitting area before…
And after…
If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering, But how crisp are the lines? Does it really look good or does it look like a sloppy 20 minute project?? I’ll let you be the judge. I’m crazy picky and this meets the Monica standard.
After hauling 40 tons of stone and working for weeks on this patio, I needed a quick and simple DIY. This outdoor stenciled rug cost me under $30 and completely helps bring the space together. I can’t wait for cool, crisp fall evenings, when I plan on spending a lot of time outside in my new space!
What do you think of it?
What do you think of it?
I think it is BRILLIANT! I took like 20 hours to Sharpie a rug last winter and this – THIS – would have been MUCH easier!!!
looks good it needed the rug. ang
Looks fantastic. Did you or do you plan on putting a top coat/sealer. Any time that I use spray paint it’s always sticky. Did you have an issue?
Love it Mon! Totally going to make one to jazz up my front porch.
Love it! I have a boring blue entry rug and a huge cutting edge stencil that may have to meet up this weekend!
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real
Wow….it looks great.
MY RUG CAME YESTERDAY! Guess What I am doing Today! So excited and thank you so much for the steps–Can’t wait!!
-Jen
So cool! Would like one, too! I’m just not sure how it’d handle our permanently rainy weather this summer =)
I love this! I think the stencil looks amazing and I am stopping by Home Depot to pick up my own rug this week!
I am also a new follower via GFC!
looks good it needed the rug:)
This looks great, thank you for sharing. I think we forget about making outdoor spaces as liveable as our indoor spaces.
I absolutely love this blog. Thank you.
Can you give a breakdown on the cost? Also, what type of fabric is the rug made out of? Are there any types of carpet that you suggest/ don’t suggest?
Hello, great looking project!
Would this DIY work for an indoor rug?
[…] This one was $19.99 at Home Depot! It’s amazing what a little paint can do! 1…2…3… We added wide stripes to our rug for the white box, but in our hurry to get the […]
[…] this outdoor patio. They chose to spray paint with the stencil and show you the process for their stenciled outdoor rug. The best part? The transformation was under $30 and took 20 minutes. Can we get a stencil […]
I would be really interested to hear how this has held up. I’m thinking of doing something similar, but for indoors. Would love to see an update!
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This looks great, thank you for sharing. I think we forget about making outdoor spaces as liveable as our indoor spaces.
It looks so much cozier this way! You did a great job , at first I didn’t understand that it’s a homemade product.
[…] East Coast Creative […]
[…] East Coast Creative […]
[…] 2. 20 Minute Easy Stenciled Outdoor Rug, from East Coast Creative Blog […]
I loved your rug! I was wondering if that could be done on an Inside rug? I have a coastal Inspired home and would love to do that for a 8 x 10 rug to go in my bedroom. I have the craft crate bookcase around my bed that you did on your show on Knock it Off, but my carpet is burgundy, and I hate that color now in my bedroom.
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I love it. I have that Target set on my upstairs patio. I’m doing this!