Stenciling on sisal rug material can be intimidating, but it is actually quite easy. Designers especially love the look of a decorative painted sisal as another way to add flair to a room.  

Sisal is a natural vegetable fiber, the plants are grown in areas of Brazil, Mexico and Africa. Historically, sisal yarn was used for rope and twine. When spun and woven, sisal yarn becomes a versatile floor covering. The composition offers a very distinctive human touch in design and feel and is used in many settings. 

The surface texture weave, somewhat rough and stiff, is hard-wearing with a tuck and roll appearance. The back of the rug is generally a latex dimple-pattern backing which is flexible and non-slip. Designers order it in custom sizes and have it professionally bound.  

When stenciling on sisal you need to remember a few key points.  Mainly, the design you choose needs to have 

large scale design elements. Tiny tendrils and details in a design will get lost.

fibers so be careful not to overload your brush with too much paint as you work. 

The other rug (above right) features Classic Grape Ivy by Melanie Royals in her Stencils and Strokes line. With permission from Melanie, I was able to enlarge the leaves. Melanie's free-form design offered the flexibility I needed for a custom look on this project.