How to Stencil Words & Phrases

Stencil art gives everybody a chance to exercise their creativity regardless of artistic capabilities. Stencils can be purchased in a variety of themes at most hobby and craft shops, or you can make your own. With stencils, anyone who can paint in the lines can transfer words and phrases to a surface and apply a few simple artistic techniques to create personalized works of art on everything from posters to a bedroom wall.

Things You'll Need

• Stencils
• Spray paint or regular paint
• Pencil
• Sponges
• Paint brushes
• Tape

Instructions

1. Tape stencils on your wall, or any project surface you want to transfer your stencils. It's best to have the letters in place before you apply paint. This will allow you to be sure you've lined everything up the way you want it. If you have durable, reusable stencils, you can leave the stencils in place and paint over them. If you don't want to mess up your stencils, use a pencil and lightly trace the design onto your work surface.

2. Paint your stencils. either with cans of spray paint or by applying it with a brush. You may even want to use a combination of the two methods, depending upon the effect you want to achieve. A layer of spray paint in a lighter shade than your brush-painted tone adds depth to the stenciled lettering. You could also spray-paint your main letters and apply subtle shadows with a brush. Try various types of spray paint, such as stone texture or sparkle, for different effects.

3. Remove stencils one at a time when your paint has dried. If you want to add more texture and depth to your letters at this time, you can use a brush to apply another coat of paint in the same color or a slightly different shade. If you want to add more texture before you remove your stencils, use a natural sponge and dab at the paint before it dries.

References

• Stencil Instructions for Letters