How to Make a Gas Mask Stencil
Stencils are a fun and effective way to make a statement in fashion and décor. They allow for uniformity in multiple paintings and create a crisp, clean effect in the final product. With a few basic guidelines for making a stencil that will last, you can have a gas-mask stencil within a few hours.
Things You'll Need
- Sheet of acetate paper
- Fine point permanent marker
- X-Acto knife
- Old magazines
- Online access
Instructions
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Search online and print out an image of a gas mask you would like to use. The simpler the image, the easier it will be to make the picture into a stencil. Be careful to avoid copyright infringement when choosing the image.
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Redraw the picture of the gas mask to create a stencil on a sheet of acetate paper, using a fine point permanent marker. Acetate paper has a matted and frosty appearance, which will hold up through multiple uses. To make the original image into a stencil you will need to break each element into separate sections, creating islands of space and bridges of paper which connect the stencil. For instance, when redesigning the goggles of the gas mask draw two thin arc shapes which do not connect, one arc for the top and one for the bottom of the eye hole. You can draw three separate triangles in a circle to create the mouth piece. Draw shapes which do not connect to maintain the lines of the image.
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Cut out the stencil using an X-Acto knife. Place the sheet of acetate on old magazines or cardboard, as the craft knife will cut through a few layers of material. You can tape the stencil to the magazine or cardboard affording you some stability while you cut out the design.
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Test the stencil on a sheet of thick paper. Use a small brush and stipple the paint into the design or use spray paint.
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Apply the stencil to your final project. Carefully place the stencil onto the wall or poster you wish to decorate. Use some masking tape or painters tape to keep the image in place. Use the appropriate style paint for the job. On posters, tempera paints work well. For walls and décor, there are many types of household paints, from matted to glossy, for stencil painting. Stippling the paint into the design with a stiff brush or using spray paints are both common ways to apply the paint.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a matted acetate paper.
Always use permanent marker on acetate so that your sketch will not bleed.
It may take some practice to get the style of stencil you want.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pink and yellow stencils image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
