Create Your Own Personalized T Shirt with Craft Patterns and StencilsSo, you want to create your own personalized t shirt! I recommend using craft patterns like stencils for painting images in place.
The challenge of spray paint with stencils is getting crisp edges and clean lines. Most commonly the end result is a fuzzy image. That’s just the nature of spray paint. If your project is going to be OK with fuzzy edges then you’re in business. In fact, if that’s what you’re trying to achieve, then you should know, the further you hold a stencil from the surface the fuzzier it gets. However, if you still want to spray paint stencils and need crisp edges then read on for all the tricks you'll need to know. To get clean lines, you need to make sure that the stencil (or craft pattern) is as close to the surface as possible. If any part of the stencil is lifted it can allow paint to spray under (which is called “over-spray”). One way to make sure that your craft pattern or stencil is in good contact with the surface is for the stencil to have an adhesive backing. There are a couple of ways to do that. You can copy your stencil onto a piece of full page label paper and cut it out. Or you can coat the back of the stencil (craft pattern) with spray adhesive or a glue stick. Just make sure to read all instructions on any products you use and test before doing your project. You don’t want to find that after putting some effort into a project that the material is ruined by an adhesive you used. If you have decided to use a spray glue, place your stencil face down on a piece of newspaper and spray the back side that will be placed on your surface. I know this sounds silly because of course you are going to spray the back side, right? But how many times are we doing something with our minds somewhere else and before we know it… Well, anyway, I just wanted to remind you. Also, make sure to spray with newspaper underneath your craft pattern because spray glue is like spray paint – it goes everywhere! Let’s say you want to work with a glue stick. It’s best to tap the glue around the islands and bridges of the stencil or whatever craft patterns you are working with. If you drag the glue stick you will likely get globs of glue around the edges of the islands. In order to get crisp edges on your painting the island have to be clear of glue.
Of course, you’ll need paint. I’m not going to recommend any brands because what works for me may not be what works for you. All I can say is to experiment with different ones until you find a brand you can stick with. There are brands designed for use on fabrics and I would encourage you to use them because a generic spray paint may be stiffer when dried and make your garment uncomfortable to wear. Some of the qualities you want to look for in a spray paint is truthfulness of color and a consistency that is not too thin. It just needs to spray on a nice color. Experiment with a few until you find the one you like. You also want to find a brand that can offer some reliability of the nozzle. There is nothing worse than having a nozzle that clogs and sputters out large blobs of paint. I've found that just because a paint is more expensive does not necessarily mean it is the better choice. A can of discount brand paint may not go as far as a more expensive brand. So, you need to buy more of the discount brand paint. However, you may still come out ahead in the long run. You be the judge. And you’ll need stencils or craft patterns! The variety of stencils available to you is mind numbing. So, it’s next to impossible for me to recommend any one kind of stencil because I don’t know anything about your project. My best advice is to experiment and test different stencils and materials. I would like to share with you a comparison of stencils made from thick and thin materials. When using stencils or craft patterns made of thick materials (like plastic) you need to spray at a perfect 90 degree angle especially around the edges. If you spray from a side angle, the edge closest to the sprayer will be fuzzy because the spray of paint is blocked by the thickness of the stencil. On the other hand, a thick stencil which is durable and heavy will cover your surface better and prevent over-spray. Stencils or craft patterns made from a thin material (like paper) doesn’t have an edge thick enough to block the paint as it is sprayed. So the edges should be crisp even if you are not holding the can at an exact 90 degree angle from the surface. However, a thin material (like paper) might be flimsy allowing paint to get under the edges if it curls or gets blown by the spray. If you are using paper, you may want to consider an adhesive backing option as described above to keep this from happening. Also, with paper stencils or paper craft patterns, I always cover the top with a thin protective cover like clear shelf liner before you cut out the image. It preserves your paper stencil for many uses and makes it easier to work with. I love working with paper stencils because they are so versatile. For more on this go to
Preserving a Paper Stencil.
I am going to recommend safety gear like a face mask or respirator, eye protection and rubber gloves. You need to be aware that spray paint is very toxic and you don’t want to breathe it in especially over long periods of time. If you are spray painting inside, get a good respirator. Remember it’s always good to be safe than sorry! You’ll also want to have some old newspaper to cover the areas around the stencil from over-spray. Spray paint has a way of going everywhere. It gets carried in the wind and lands on any exposed surface. So it’s important to cover anything you don’t want to have a painted haze. You’ll need some masking tape to secure the stencil and any newspaper that you use. You’ll need a good place to apply the spray paint. Hopefully you have a room with good ventilation or an open area outdoors. However, you don’t want to be in an area where there is a breeze and dust is blowing around. Well, on to the spray painting of the stencils (craft patterns). First, you want to secure your stencil to the object to be painted and cover all exposed areas outside of the stencil with newspaper. If you don’t use an adhesive on the back of the stencil as described above, then tape down all the edges so that your stencil will not move during the entire process of painting. When spraying paint, hold the can 8 to 10 inches from the stencil. Use a gentle waving motion, spraying paint in horizontal lines from side to side. Release the nozzle at the end of each row and move down far enough so that when you start to paint your next line in the other direction, you are starting a new line and not repainting over the last line. You are looking for a slow and gradual build up of color with even coverage. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly after each thin layer. Be careful not to let the paint build up too fast because it will run, drip, create ripples like in a pool or start a crackle effect as it dries. Remember, it is going to take several layers of paint with a time period for thorough drying in between. No rushing! Don’t try to paint the outline of the stencil. Just stick to the back and forth motion described above. Forget that you are working with a spray paint stencil and just sweep across the entire stencil as though you are painting the whole area. Again, this is going to help you build up a gradual and even layer of color. Make sure to hold the can upright at all times and spray toward your surface at a 90-degree angle. Holding the can upright keeps the flow of paint consistent. Let the paint dry thoroughly before lifting the stencil. Removing a wet stencil can cause smudging. Try to pull the stencil straight up or hold down at one end and roll it up carefully from the other end. The idea is to avoid dragging the stencil over a wet surface.
You should know that unless you are using a paint that is specifically for fabric, the finished image may be stiff and there is no guarantee as to how it will react in washing. Read all directions on the paint you are using and experiment. I put a piece of cardboard inside the T-Shirt for a couple of reasons. First, is that it will keep the T-Shirt from sliding around or getting wrinkles. Second, it will help prevent paint from seeping through the fabric and leaving an image on the back of the T-Shirt. You want the cardboard to fit inside the T-Shirt without stretching it in any way.
Then, I covered all the areas outside of the stencil with newspaper and secured with masking tape. Spray Paint goes everywhere, so protect the areas you don’t want painted.
Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the stencil. Try to pull the stencil straight up or hold down at one end and roll it up carefully from the other end. I hope you liked the Harmony Symbol Personalized T Shirt Project. If you did, check out the book of stencil designs below (you’ll find the Harmony Symbol and some other unique craft patterns). This is just a sample of the design books that we offer in our Stencils Catalog . Each book will come to you as a down-loadable pdf file in your e-mail. Just check your e-mail after purchase for the link to connect to your file and print or save. It's that easy! All designs can be adjusted to fit your project size. Instructions are included. Pages are 8.5” x 11”. If you'd rather get your Stencil Books in Print, just click the blue button below each book.
This collection of craft patterns includes 16 designs- The Chinese Dragon, Bamboo, Oriental Figure with Coolie Hat, Ying Yang Koi, Bonsai Tree and 3 Cranes plus 10 Chinese Symbols (Eternity, Friendship, Happiness, Harmony, Long Life, Peace, Prosperity, Tranquility, Truth and Dragon). This purchase is of a down-loadable PDF file with 63 pages. Instructions are included. Price: $9.95
To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:
If you’d rather get your
Stencil Pattern Books in Print
, then visit our Printer’s Book Shop for the same designs in book format that will be mailed to you. You’ll find all of the stencils used as examples throughout this site.And there it is – a finished T-Shirt! Use your imagination and I bet you can think of many projects for using spray paint stencils and craft patterns. Decorate your jeans. Personalize linens and create some artistic gifts. And hey! Don’t forget that I (and everyone else) want to see what you have done with your stencils and craft patterns. Just click on Contact Me to get your masterpiece showcased here on this web site. Won’t that be exciting! Or if you have any questions or want to share information join in on the Stencil Blog . Well, I hope to hear from you soon. Happy Stenciling, Penny P.S. Would you like to build a web site like this one and turn a passion into a business? Well, if I did it, you can too. Don't think that you have to be a web designer and know all about computer codes and complicated html stuff. I didn't. With Site Build It! it's easy and they have the tools in place to help you build pages and teach you how to create a successful web site. Want more information? Just click on Powered by Site Build It! here or on the banner below and watch a cool video that will explain everything. I know you'll get excited like I did. Return to Home Page from Spray Paint and Craft Patterns.
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Here are some of the things that you’ll need.
Spray painting stencils on fabric is a little more of a challenge because fabric can move and stretch. I coated the back of the stencil with a glue stick. It kept the fabric from stretching and secured all of the stencil edges against the surface to reduce over-spray.
I lined the edges of the stencil / craft pattern with some masking tape as an extra measure to keep the fabric or the stencil from moving.
Holding the can about 8 to 10 inches from the surface, spray the paint in a back and forth motion over the stencil or craft pattern. Be careful not to spray too much. On fabric, overloading with paint can cause the fibers to absorb the liquid paint and color can seep under the stencil, ruining your image.
