Tricks For Stenciling

Rearrange a Stencil Row

• Edit a stenciling strip by cutting it into blocks of single stencil designs and reattaching them in a new order. For example, if the stencil strip depicts a frog and butterfly between two flowers, cut the images into four separate blocks and tape them together again so it becomes flower, butterfly, flower frog. Another way to customize your stencil is to remove one or more of the images in the stenciling sequence. In the strip above, remove the flowers entirely and alternate between frog and butterfly.

Layer Your Paint

• Paint inside your stencil using thin layers and allow each layer to dry before adding more. Your stenciling paintbrush should appear nearly dry. A paintbrush dripping with paint is a poor stenciling tool because the excess liquid runs inside the stencil lining, making the design edges less definitive. Create a single, deep, bold color by applying several layers of red or blue paint over the same area within a secured stencil. For a textured look, use multiple hues of the same color or different brushstrokes.

Change Styles with Brushstrokes

• Create a different style just by changing the way you move your brush. The same brush can apply paint dozens of different ways, giving each stencil its own style. For example, paint the one set of stencils by applying the paint in choppy, dotting motions similar to pointillism. For the different set of stencils, use rounded, swirling strokes to add depth and cohesion. Both application styles require a single, stiff, flat-bottomed stenciling paintbrush.

Create Custom Shapes

• Instead of ordering a custom stencil for a logo, insignia or name, create your own using poster board and an artisans razor knife. Trace your custom logo using a marker and cut out the inside to create a stencil. You can also cut your stencil from thin acetate plastic. Tape down the edges of the acetate plastic securely before cutting as the material has poor natural traction, making it easy to make cutting errors.