How to Stencil - The Basics

You will need

• A stencil
• Masking tape or adhesive spray
• Paint
• A stencil brush
• Scrap piece of cardboard

For this tutorial we used our own logo stencil, a medium stencil brush and acrylic paint, the stencil was fixed to the wall using spray adhesive.

Firstly decide where you are going to use the stencil, this will determine the size of stencil and which type of paint you need. Most of our stencils are available in a wide range of sizes. For most flat matt surfaces acrylic or emulsion paint is ideal (try DIY store matchpots!).

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Position the stencil

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Our preferred method of fixing the stencil is with spray adhesive, we always use 3M brand 'Spraymount' available from all good art shops and DIY stores. Spray the back of the stencil with adhesive, make sure the adhesive is dry before using the stencil so you don't transfer glue to the wall. Follow the instructions on the can and always spray the stencil outside or in a well ventilated area. Spraymount is repositionable so you can peel the stencil away from the wall and re-stick it, it's like the tackiness on the back of a 'post-it' note. If you're using masking tape just use small pieces of tape around the edge of the stencil, masking tape is sometimes too sticky, remove tackiness by sticking the tape to your clothes or skin prior to use.

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Paint the stencil

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Using a clean, dry stencil brush, take a little paint on the end of the brush, use a piece of cardboard to remove excess paint. Dab the flat end of the brush onto the stencil, keep dabbing until you run out of paint, load more paint, remove excess and continue.

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Apply paint sparingly, too much paint and it will seep below the stencil and leave blobby results, be especially careful if you're using runny paint. Continue painting until all the cut parts of the stencil are covered, especially the cut edges.

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Remove the stencil

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As soon as you've finished painting, carefully peel the stencil away. No need to wait until the paint is dry.

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The finished result

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Once the basic technique of stencilling is understood it's uses are endless. Most surfaces can be stencilled, most paints can be used as well as wood dyes, inks and spray paints. Paints can be applied using a flat ended stencil brush or sponge. Spray paints can be used making stencilling quick and effective.

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Where would you like to go now?

Buy stencils. Get a custom stencil made. Buy Brushes. See the gallery. Go back to Tutorials

Contact The Stencil Studio

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