The Artful Stencil

We hope you will find this information useful for your project. Kathy and Joni - The Artful Stencil

Stenciling Basics

The above pictures are just a few projects we have accomplished with our stencils.

Acrylic paint is our favorite to use for stenciling. Laytex wall paint works well too. Always follow paint manufacturer's instructions.

Our single overlay stencils are created with "bridges" between the spaces to be stenciled. These give your project an authentic, old world stencil effect. If you wish to have a more hand painted effect, simply paint in the bridges with a small brush after you remove your stencil.

The most important thing to remember when stenciling - less is more. Use the smallest amount of paint on your stencil brush. Two thin coats are much more effective and will not seep under the stencil's edge.

Always tape your stencil in place using blue painter's tape. This will secure your stencil and avoid any blurring of a stencil shape.

Step 1 Position stencil on project surface. Secure with painter's tape.

Step 2 Apply a small amount of paint on palette. Work paint into your stencil brush and wipe away excess paint with a paper towel.

Step 3 Using an up and down "pouncing" motion, working from the outer edges of your stencil's cut out shape, apply paint to project surface.

If you are working with multiple colors, allow one color to dry before proceeding with second color. If the stencil shapes are very close to one another, simply apply small pieces of tape over already painted areas to protect their color.

Step 4 When paint is completely dry, remove tape and stencil.