How to Stencil Multicolored Designs

Stenciling multicolored designs can be done on just about any surface and gives a three dimensional look that is esthetically pleasing. The method of stenciling is done using several different templates, usually made of acetate, to acquire the design. The pieces are attached to the work surface separately, filled in with one color using a stiff bristled brush, and removed. The next piece follows the same procedure, and is continued with additional stencils until the multicolored design is completed. In the case of the photo, you can see that the leaves and grapes are made up of several different colors, adding a more lifelike appearance to the design.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Painters tape
• Stencils
• Acrylic paints
• Palette
• Stiff bristled brush
• Paper towels

1. Lay the first stencil over the area and secure it with painters tape. If you do not secure the stencil to the surface, you stand the chance of the design smearing, which can be difficult to fix.

2. Squeeze a small amount of each color from their paint tubes, and place the colored paint onto your palette. If you are using paint pods instead of tubes, remove some paint from each of the pods using a small spoon, and place the removed colors on your palette.

3. Dampen your paintbrush slightly, and dip it in the first color that you would like to use. Dab any excess paint onto a paper towel; do not overly fill the brush with paint. A little goes a long way with color blending. The idea will be to blend colors, and too much of one will lessen the effect.

4. Hold the paintbrush perpendicular to your stenciled design. Dab the color onto the desired area. Do not use a brush stroke to apply paint, simply a quick dabbing motion.

5. Allow the painted area to dry, remove the first stencil, and apply the second stencil over the same area. Apply a second color to your paintbrush in the same manner as before and dab it onto the exposed area of the second stencil. You will now have two different colors on your work surface’s design.

6. Continue applying multiple colors until you achieve the look that you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Stencil kits are usually comprised of several different stencils that make up one design. Different sections of the design are arranged on different stencils allowing you to overlap multiple colors. The stencils are often numbered, making it easy to know what stencil to use when, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Using a sea sponge is another technique that allows you to blend multiple colors onto a work surface using a stencil. Try different media for applying paint to see the different textures that they create.
• Do not rush the stenciling process. If you do not wait until one color is completely dry before applying the next stencil, your design may not come out as expected.

Resources

• A full array of stencils can be found at Whimsical Walls.