Painting Stencils to Create Your Own Masterpiece

OK – So you've been painting stencils. Now you're finished and you sat back and admired it a little while. But you just can’t help thinking that it could use something else. But what?

Well, a stencil is defined as a template that produces an exact image at every use. Of course, in decorative painting that’s just not going to work.

The idea is to end up with an image that looks hand painted. So, I put together a few of the techniques that I use to personalize a stenciling pattern. Then you'll find some stencil books with links to project ideas from each cover image and below that a video about Stencil Wall Murals. But first those tips on painting stencils.

Add some highlights where you might see light on your image. This will add some depth and dimension to your painting. Lighten a paint color by adding white paint and use a small bristle brush to run lines where you want highlights. Don’t add to much white because you just want a subtle effect.

Don’t forget to blend shadowed areas with the lighter areas together where the lines meet to have a smoother finish. Pour a little of the two paint colors used and just start to work them together on the image. I like to use a small, round, soft bristle brush with the stippling or pouncing technique used to stencil and work along the line of differing colors until I reach the desired amount of blending.

If you would like to see the stippling technique there's a Stenciling Instructions video with basic techniques in action while painting stencils.

Be careful to leave those areas needing the separation with contrast. See the tiger. Notice how the shaded area at the bottom of each leg has been blended together with the upper, lighter section. But the individual legs are still separated with a crisp definition of color.

I always like to add a white dot in the iris of eyes to bring out a more realistic effect. The nature of painting stencils is to produce an exact image multiple times. But chances are you want each image to have an individual hand painted effect so little tips like this go a long way.

By the way, there is a great Stenciling Tip Article with ideas and some illustrations about how to paint more life into eyes!

By the way, if you like the stencil examples used on this page then make sure you scroll down to find out how you can get them.

After completing the picture, you can lightly water down some of the paint colors that you have used to run a translucent shadow or top color where you want to add depth or light. Use an artist’s paintbrush to apply these translucent colors and a paper or cloth towel to blot the colors for a blending effect. Be careful because if you make the paint too watery it may take off some of the paint of the image.

A good way to add texture, variation in depth (like curves) or just some interest is to use two or more colors in one opening (island). Just dab the brush or sponge in the different colors and maybe get the colors to fade from one side of the opening to the other. I recommend doing this while the stencil is still in place to keep a sharp edge. Notice the fading blue background of the Anchor Lines Travel Poster Stencil.

Again, practice and experiment! As you play around with painting stencils, you will discover many techniques for customizing your work.

More Hints and Tips:

If you have a paper stencil (like one of the free printable stencils listed in the right column) you can cover it with clear shelf liner before cutting out the openings (islands) so that your stencil will be good permanently. Just wipe off with a damp cloth after each use and store in a book.

For more tips about stencil preservation check out the Stencil Making page. We even have information on how to make a stencil for when you decide to become the designer.

Also, Invest in good paints. Using inexpensive paints that are thin will require too many coats. This will mean more work and more opportunity for paint smudging under the edges. Watery paints will also run if you are painting on a vertical surface like a wall (check out our wall stencils to download so that you can get your project started now).

If you run into a situation where two openings (islands) on a stencil are very close but require different colors use a sheet of paper or thin cardboard to cover one opening while applying paint to the other. This is called a mask.

Well, that’s about it for the painting stencils tips and techniques. I hope you picked up on some great ideas for your next decorative painting stencils project.

We are thrilled to introduce these downloadable and Printable Stencils. Instant gratification at its finest! You don't need a special printer - these designs are specially formatted to print straight from your home computer on standard letter sized paper. Once downloaded, you will have your complete stencil booklet with patterns and instructions. Just click, buy and print!

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!

Click on any Book Cover Image for Project Ideas.

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.

Fleur de lis: Book of Stencils

This collection includes 22 designs. Ten are easy single overlay. Six have 2 overlays and six have 3 overlays.

This purchase is of a PDF file which has 63 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

Oriental Designs: A Book of Stencils

This collection includes 16 designs- Chinese Dragon, Bamboo, Oriental Figure with Coolie Hat, Ying Yang Koi Stencils, Bonsai Tree Stencil and 3 Cranes plus 10 Chinese Symbols (Eternity, Friendship, Happiness, Harmony, Long Life, Peace, Prosperity, Tranquility, Truth and Dragon.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 40 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this book in print for just $19.95 click here:

Antique Door Hardware: A Book of Stencils

This collection includes 5 designs- Lion Head Door Knocker, Key Bow, Lock Plate and Mail Box Plaque (with two word options). These images should add a little fun and even some humor to the doors in your home while they introduce a touch of the past.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 25 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

Christmas: A Book of Stencils

This collection includes 9 designs. They are Santa Claus, a Reindeer, a Christmas Tree (with options for decorations), a Candle with Holly Accents, Bells with a Bow, a Gingerbread Boy and Girl, and a String of Lights.

This purchase is of a PDF file which has 42 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $19.95 click here:

Old Fashioned Luggage Labels and Travel Posters

Paint some travel posters or decorate an old steamer trunk with these 15 designs. 5 are Hotel Advertisements, 5 are Transportation Ads and 5 are Destination Ads (like Paris and New York).

This purchase is of a PDF file with 102 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this Book in Print for just $32.95 click here:

Zoo Babies: Stencils for a Nursery

This collection includes 7 designs- an Elephant, a Giraffe, a Hippo, a Lion, a Monkey, a Tiger and a Zebra. This is a wonderful theme collection when you are planning on painting stencils for a nursery.

This purchase is of a PDF file with 40 pages.

Price: $9.95

To get this book in print for just $19.95 click here:

Hey! Don’t forget that I (and everyone else) want to see what you have done with your painting stencils. Just click on Stenciling Projects 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

If you'd rather get your Stencil Pattern Books in Print (like these) then visit our Printer's Book Shop for a large variety of stencil collections. These books are easy to follow and come with complete instructions. You'll find all of the stencil designs used as samples throughout this site.

To search for more information on painting stencils:

Custom Search

Here is a quick video about painting stencils to create wall murals. For more information about this go to Stencil Wall Murals. Enjoy!

Stencils used as examples on this web site are courtesy of Designs From Penny.

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