Your doormat is the first thing your guests see when they come to your home. You’ll want it to be a reflection of your personality and a representation of your style.
You can find a plethora of options at your local Target or you can choose to order a handcrafted one from Etsy. But, did you know it’s super simple to make your own?
Whether you choose to go the witty route or prefer a more traditional welcome to your home, this DIY doormat can be crafted exactly to your specifications.
With a few inexpensive supplies, you can make your very own doormat in a few easy steps. All you need are a few supplies, most of which you can purchase from Amazon or at your local crafts store.
You will need:
- A blank coir mat
- Outdoor acrylic paint (we used black)
- Cardstock (kudos if it can run through an inkjet printer)
- Exacto knives
- Foam paint brushes
- A stencil
- Painter’s tape
- Pins
- Printer access
How to Make Your Own DIY Doormat
We’ve provided 11 stencils that you can choose from. Whether you want to profess your love of tacos, wine, your dog or your family, we’ve got a stencil for you. Simply click the above button and pick your favorite.
If this is your first time, you may want to choose one of the thicker templates, as these will be easier to cut out.
1. Print Your Stencil
Once you choose and download your template, you will want to load your printer with printer-safe cardstock. The thickness of the cardstock will make it easier to cut the stencil out and will help it stay in place while you’re painting.
2. Secure Your Tape
Think about how you want your design to lay on your doormat. Our stencils are designed for an 18×30 inch standard doormat, although you can make them work with a slightly smaller or larger mat.
First, tape the area of the doormat that you want to decorate. Make sure that the tape is pressed firmly into the mat. You will want the edges of the tape to overlap and form a layer on top of your doormat. This will help prevent the paint from bleeding into unwanted areas. Press the tape down firmly one more time, just to ensure it’s sticking.
3. Place Your Stencil
After your tape is secured, it’s time to layer your stencils on top. Lay your design down on the mat exactly how you’d like it to appear when painted.
Secure the design to the mat using your pins. This will keep it in place while you are cutting out your stencil.
4. Cut Out Your Design
Once your stencil is in place you can begin using your exacto knife to carefully cut out the letters of your printed template. Be extra careful with letters that may have tight spots or designs that have thin fonts. Using a sharp, new blade is helpful here. Cut through the cardstock as well as the tape.
5. Paint Your Doormat
Once your entire design is cut out you can begin preparing to paint. It’s best to use an outdoor acrylic paint so that the design lasts longer in the elements. Put your paint onto a disposable plate and prepare your sponge brushes and paint!
Remember that a little bit goes a long way when it comes to these paints. You will want to lightly dab your ink throughout the template. The first coat of paint will look light, and you will want to give the mat about three coats to get the desired color. Resist the urge to press down harder with your sponge brush or risk the paint bleeding beyond your template.
Apply three or more coats until you reach the desired shade of black that you want. If you have a hair dryer handy, you can blow-dry the mat in between coats to help it dry faster.
6. Reveal Your Design
Once your paint has dried, you can remove the painters tape. Be sure to remove it carefully and slowly so that no paint peels off in the process. You will begin to be able to see the finished product after removing a few pieces.
After you’ve taken off the tape to reveal the design, you have the option to coat your doormat in UV resistant finishing spray. This will help your doormat last longer.
7. Enjoy Your DIY Doormat
Now you can enjoy the spoils of your labor… your DIY doormat is ready. You can place it at your front or back door. These also make great housewarming gifts. Enjoy!
DIY Doormat Stencils: Printable
We’ve created 11 unique stencils so that you can create your very own doormat. You can see some of our other favorites below!
Show your love for your home and family with this sweet, traditional doormat. Easy to cut out because of its block lettering, this doormat is perfect for the beginner.
Compliment your guests as they enter your home with this “cute” doormat. With block lettering and the slightly more complicated design of the shoes, this is a perfect intermediate doormat.
Who doesn’t love guacamole? This hip doormat is a fun, fresh way to greet your guests as they enter your home. The “guacamole” font is thin and curved, making this the perfect design for the experienced crafter.
This doormat is for all of the dog lovers out there. If your guest is likely to be greeted by your furry friend when entering your home, this mat is for you!
If you’re from the south (or just a southerner at heart) you will love this typical Texan greeting. Accented by a modern speech bubble, it’s the perfect mix of classic and modern.
What’s the best hostess gift anyone can bring you? If you said wine, this doormat is for you. It’s easy to cut out lettering makes this another great mat for beginners.
For those that like to live richly, this doormat celebrates three of the best parts of life. Remind your guests what’s important with this easy to make doormat.
Is your family the number one thing in your life? Then this doormat is for you! Celebrate those closest to you by creating something special.
Simple and elegant, this fun doormat is perfect for lovers of all things chic. Its curved lines might be challenging to cut out, which makes this an intermediate-level doormat.
If your home isn’t complete without your pet, then this is the perfect mat for you. It displays a simple message and is easy to make.
Last, but not least, this funny doormat lets your guests know how much you love tacos. Honestly, who doesn’t love tacos?
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