How To

How To Create a Life-Size Stencil

Contributor
By Jenny Harrington
eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)
How To Create a Life-Size Stencil
How To Create a Life-Size Stencil

Stencils are an easy way to transfer an image onto walls and furniture. If you want to stencil a large image, you need to create a life-sized stencil.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Art projector Poster boards Pencil Craft knife Cutting mat Masking tape
  1. Step 1

    Draw or obtain a print of the image you wish to stencil. Simple images work best for your first stencil.

  2. Step 2

    Place the image onto the tray of a projector and turn on the light. Turn the knob on the projector until the image is the size you require. Position the projector so the image shows on a wall.

  3. Step 3

    Tape the poster boards to the wall with the masking tape where the image is projected. Overlap the poster boards by 2 to 3 inches and tape them together to make a large-enough ground for the image.

  4. Step 4

    Trace the projected image onto the poster board with a pencil so you can easily erase any mistakes. Shade in the areas you wish to cut out.

  5. Step 5

    Remove the poster boards from the wall, leaving the individual boards taped together. Lay them on the floor.

  6. Step 6

    Position the cutting mat under the poster boards in the area where you will be working first. Carefully cut out the shaded parts of the stencil with a craft knife. Move the cutting mat so it is always under the area you are cutting.

  7. Step 7

    Use the stencil by taping it to the area you will be painting. Spray or blot the paint on through the stencil.

Tips & Warnings
  • Butcher paper can be used for one-time-use stencils. Inexpensive projectors are available at office supply and craft stores.

References

Comments  

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on 7/3/2009 You probably won't believe this, but I have been trying to remember how to create a large stencil. Thanks so much. Will save this one to favorites.

stevewall said

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on 7/3/2009 Do you think this is the way the well known graffiti artists, like Miss Tic in Paris and Bansky in London do it, with a projector? Many of Miss Tic's look like rip offs of magazine photos.

svalatie said

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on 7/3/2009 What a neat idea!

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