What Are Uses of Stencil Adhesive Sprays?

Use

• Shake the adhesive spray well. Lay the stencil on a clean surface, such as a drop cloth or plastic sheet. Hold the nozzle of the spray can about eight inches from the surface. Lightly spray the adhesive evenly. Allow to dry for several seconds until the spray is tacky. Place your stencil onto the wall surface. The stencil may be repositioned several times before an additional spray is needed.

Materials

• Stencils are used on a variety of surfaces and may be created from different substrates. Thin, mylar stencils traditionally work well with stencil spray. These stencils are very thin, often transparent and lightweight. Stencils that may not work with stencil spray include those made from cardboard or heavy styrene. Both materials may be too heavy for the spray to hold the stencil in place. Stencils made from fabric material work; however, if the cloth or fabric wrinkles the spray may cause the stencil to stick together.

Usage Tips

• Stencil adhesive may transfer onto the surface you are painting. This is rare, but if you are adding additional glazes or faux finish techniques over your painted design, the adhesive may cause additional paint layers to crackle. Closely inspect the wall to ensure the adhesive is not transferring to your project's surface.

Alternatives

• Painter's tape may be applied to the corners of your stencil, instead of using the spray adhesive. You do not have to worry about breathing in fumes from the adhesive spray and the technique does not require frequent cleaning of the back of your stencil.

Where Spray Will Not Work

• Stencil spray and tape often do not stick well to any rock or stone surfaces, such as brick or cement. Look for specialized stencil products designed to be used on those surfaces. Tape will hold for several minutes, but eventually the stencil will fall from the surface. Have an extra set of hands to hold your stencil steadily in place. A layer of stencil spray may help, but do not count on the adhesive holding the stencil in place for more than a minute.