How to Stencil

Stencil a wall for a creative accent to the room. The benefits of stenciling is that only paint is used, not wallpaper border and glue. When it's time to remove the design, simply paint over the stencil.

It's also possible to stencil on many craft projects to add dimension and design.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A cut out stencil
• Acrylic paint
• Stencil brush is best, but a regular brush can work
• Tape
• Object to stencil on such as wall, craft item like a wooden box, paper
• Paper towel, water

1. 
   Stencil supplies.

   Gather your supplies as listed in the Things You'll Need section. It's a good idea to invest in a stencil brush or two. Stencil brushes have a blunt area that works best when you want to stencil.

2. 
   Tape the stencil so it stays put.

   Tape your stencil to the object you'll be stenciling the design on. I used a paper folded into a card and taped the stencil so the sun portion was in the correct spot on the paper.

3. 
   Dab the paint on holding the brush straight up and down.

   Dab the stencil brush in a bit of paint. For stenciling, less is better. Hold the brush up and down and dab the brush on a surface to remove some of the paint. Then lightly tap the brush in the center of the stencil. Let some of the area remain unpainted. This gives a more organic, rustic look.

4. 
   Move the stencil around your project.

   Untape the stencil and move it to the next spot on the surface you're stenciling. For this card, I choose a random pattern so moved the stencil where I thought the card needed more design.

5. 
   Two colors with stencil brush.

   Vary the color, but paint all of one color at the same time. Then lightly clean the brush by wiping it with a paper towel or rag (or use another brush). Don't wet the stencil brush while using it. A dry stencil brush is needed.
   
   For the second color of paint, fill in the spots to complete the design. Mix the two colors by dabbing just a bit of each on the brush. Be sure to remove some of the paint before stenciling on your project surface.

6. 
   Crabby baby onesie stenciled with fabric paint.

   Complete your project by doing minor touch ups and fill in or wipe off paint as needed, depending on the surface.
   
   On surfaces like walls or other nonporous, slick surfaces, while the paint's still wet, it's easy to remove the paint by wiping it off. Then start stenciling again.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun with stenciling. It is fun to do wall stencils around a border or doorway, decorate craft boxes and projects with a rustic, worn look that stenciling provides.
• Make your own stencils with acetate. Copy a design onto acetate and cut out the portion to be stenciled.

Resources

• Stencil 101: Make Your Mark with 25 Reusable Stencils

[PJWilliams]

on 7/9/2009 Thanks for writing this. I want to try stenciling some fabric to create a wall hanging. I'll use your advice.

[jamaclassics]

on 7/9/2009 Cool, crafty and neat! I'm going to stencil my pencil.