Prepare, Plan, Paint Stencil

Getting to Know Your Stencil – “Hello Stencil!”

In order to make the most of your stenciling time, take a moment to become familiar with your stencil. Can it be completed as a one color paint stencil or do you need several colors? Is it a single layer stencil or does it have multiple overlays? Is it a pre-cut stencil ready to have paint applied to it or do you need to cut out the stencil? Follow these links for the scoop on different stencil types: Pre-Cut Stencils , Cut-and-Paint Stencils , or Stencil Patterns.

Practice and Experiment

If you are new to stenciling I would recommend practicing on a thick sheet of paper before painting on your wall or T-Shirt. This will help you develop a few techniques and make you aware of what can go wrong (Do you know Murphy’s Law: what can go wrong will go wrong). Do this and when you get to your real project you’ll be a pro.

Choosing the Right Paint Colors

Paint Colors? What about paint colors? The most important part of getting your stencil to look right is color. Think about this carefully. What is going to match your background color? If you have a multi-color paint stencil, which colors will work well together and stand out from the background color? If you are using a Multiple Overlay Stencil, be aware of what items come in contact with each other. Make sure that touching islands (stencil openings) don’t use the same color causing them to blend together. You want each item to be clearly visible yet sometimes just a subtle difference is best. There is no fool proof rule of thumb that I can give you so you will just have to put your own eye to it and find what pleases you. Once you have your color choices, label the stencil overlays with the names of the paint.

For more information on choosing the right colors for your stencil project click here. I put in an extensive article on this subject because it’s so important. I added several illustrations of just how wrong things can go when you make bad color choices.

Multiple Overlay Stencils

If you are working with a Multiple Overlay stencil, get familiar with the design. Multiple Overlay Stencils use registration marks to align your stencil overlays and build the image. Get to know how they work and of course read all instructions that come with your stencil. For more information on Multiple Overlay Stencils go to Stencil Patterns.

The time spent practicing and experimenting will help you develop your plan and skills, and the job will go much more smoothly. When you feel comfortable with your stencil, then it's time to get your surface in shape.

Preparing the Surface

Make sure the surface that you are stenciling onto is ready. It’s best to have a surface that is as smooth as possible. For instance, a flat wall without any or much texture is going to produce an image with cleaner lines than a brick wall. Make sure any cracks or holes have been filled in and smoothed down.

If the surface needs painting make sure you allow it to dry thoroughly before applying the stencil image. A flat base paint is best. Stencil paint will adhere more readily to a flat paint versus a semi- or high-gloss finish. If your stencil paints are not sticking to the surface you may need to sand the area lightly until you can achieve better results.

Preparations for Cut and Paint Stencils

Cut-and-Paint Stencils require you to cut the openings where paint is applied. However, for the extra work, they provide some great rewards.

A cut-and-paint stencil design can be reduced or enlarged to fit almost any project size. This is a big deal. Let’s say you like a Plastic Pre-Cut Stencil and it comes in two sizes -small at 2’ and large at 4’- and the area you have for an image is 1’ then the plastic stencil will not work for you. However, you can take a cut-and-paint design (with each of the overlays) to a copy machine and resize it to whatever your project area requires. Flexibility is great!

Also, cut-and-paint stencils are less expensive. You are not paying for the manufacture, warehousing and shipping of a product. If you can find downloadable stencil designs you can have your stencil immediately and no delay to your project.

Well on to the one disadvantage: Cutting Your Stencil.

If your cut and paint stencils are in a book, I would recommend making a copy of each stencil overlay for the project you have chosen. By using these copies to produce your picture, your book and originals are preserved for future use. When you make copies, don’t forget that you can reduce or enlarge the size to fit the area you want to place the picture.

Using a craft-knife cut out the openings or islands on the stencil. Make sure your blade is sharp at all times. Dull blades may cause the paper stencil to tear. The goal is to cut along each line only once with a firm, smooth motion. With your free hand, hold the stencil firmly and rotate the stencil so that you are always cutting at a comfortable angle. When cutting past a thin bridge area carefully use a firm finger to hold down the paper. Always keep your fingers well away from where you are cutting. If you are working with a multiple overlay stencil don’t forget to cut out the registration holes, which will be used for the alignment of the stencil overlays.

These instructions are assuming that you are using a paper stencil. For instructions on how to preserve your paper stencil so that it can be used again and again please go to Stencil Making Design Tips for Long-Term Use.

Line Up and Secure Your Stencil

Determine the area where you want your picture using the level and ruler or tape measure if your area is large. If you are stenciling a wall or very large area, begin in the least noticeable corner. Tape your stencil to the wall or object to be stenciled using a low-tack tape across each corner. If you are stenciling on a flat horizontal surface, you may find it easier to use weights instead of tape. Another option for securing your stencil is to spray the back side with spray adhesive (follow the directions for the product you are using). Always test your surface and decide which method works best for you.

Aligning a Multiple Overlay Stencil:

If you are working with a multiple overlay stencil, align the first overlay as described above and use a pencil to mark the registration holes (they can be erased or painted over when your project is finished). Hint: to avoid marking the surface, place pieces of low-tack tape on the surface area of the registration holes and place the marks on the tape.

It’s time! Time to paint! You should know all there is to know about your stencil (like: Is it a one color paint stencil or do you need several colors?). You should have it in place and secure right where you want your painted image (centered or off to one side?). Well, you get the idea. Enough of all this and let’s get painting!

Oh by the way, just in case you're still trying to find paint and other stenciling supplies, here are a few of my favorite haunts and other places to get information and help.

Mister Art.com is a great place for all of your arts and crafts needs plus they have a dedicated section for stenciling.

Dick Blick Art Materials is one place to find a good selection of brushes, stencil making materials and craft cutting knives like X-acto. You will find they are a supplier of fine art supplies with a good selection for crafters and artists alike.

Good quality paints are a must in stenciling. Thin, watery paints will cause running and smudging. So, invest in good paints to insure that your project is successful.

Joann.com has a fantastic line of quality paints like Delta Ceramacoat, Folk Art, Americana and DecoArt Acrylic Paints. Plus you'll find fabric paints and applicators.

In these times, we're always looking for a bargain. CreateForLess has Delta Ceramacoat and DecoArt Paints, stencil brushes and applicators, and a few pre-cut stencil designs.

S&S Worldwide is a great place to go if you are looking to get the kids involved in arts and crafts. It's a fun spot for summer projects or any time. You'll find some applicators, paints (for fabric too) and even some pre-cut stencils.

If you are looking for pre-cut stencil designs, try Stencil Ease. They offer Decorative Home Designs as well as Industrial and Custom Designs plus a good variety of alphabet stencils. You can also find Americana Brand Acrylic Paints which is a good quality paint.

Royal Design Studio has a beautiful line of decorative stencils. You'll even love the web site. It's packed with great how to information and inspiration rooms that have been transformed with stencils. But it doesn't stop there. They also carry many of the supplies that you will need.

At The Stencil Library , you will have 3000 stencils to choose from plus everything you will need to get the job done. They have paint applicators, paint, adhesives, cutting supplies and instructional books and videos. You’ll also find some great information and tips.

Looking for more information? Amazon.com has some suggestions for you below on the subject of stencils and I've provided a Google Search Option for your convenience.

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