How to Use Stencils
By Mary Ward
Photo: © Jinyoung Lee/ Dreamstime
 Stencils have long been popular elements in home décor, and with good reason. They are easy to use, have great looking results, are inexpensive, and easily changed with a fresh coat of paint. Here are the basics of wall stenciling:
• Prepare the base coat first. A fresh coat is best, but at any rate, make sure the surface is clean.
• Choose stencils from pre-cut, manufactured designs, or use blank plastic stencil templates to create custom designs. Simply trace the motif and cut using a sharp razor or utility knife.
• When creating custom stencils, make sure you leave ties in the stencil. Ties are thin strips of stencil that attach each of the stencil’s sides. Ties keep stencils flat and held together so paint does not seep below the design area. Ties should be at least one-eighth of an inch thick.
• Determine stencil spacing. Use painters’ tape to hold stencils in place. Place one hand atop the stencil so it continues to lay flat.
|
• Flat brushes or compact, stiff bristled round stenciling brushes should be used. Dry sponges or rags can be used to blot stenciled designs for varied effects.
• Stenciling is done with a dry-brush technique. Keep a paint pan or tray covered with paper towels nearby to remove excess paint from the brushes.
• Apply stencil paint with straight up and down blotting motions, or paint from the outside of the design in towards the middle of the stencil. Never paint from center to outline, or along the
edge of the stencil. This pushes paint below the stencil outline and smears the edges. Straddle the edge of the stencil as you blot.
• When the stencil is filled, remove the stencil and fill in the tie area with a detail brush.
• Clean the back of the stencil before reapplying to the wall at the next section (be sure the back is dry).
• Additional colors should be applied with a second stencil or detail brush after the first coat is fully dry.
Stencils can be used to build unique borders and wall patterns, as well as large wall murals. The consistent outcome of stenciled designs is far more reliable than free-hand painting, making it the perfect project for everyone. |
