How to Learn to Stencil

Prepare the surface of the item to be stenciled. For best results, the surface should be smooth. If the surface is painted, a flat paint is recommended rather than a glossy or semi-gloss paint.

Position the stencil onto the surface area. Use the level to make sure that the stencil is straight. When you are satisfied that the stencil is straight and positioned correctly, temporarily tape the stencil to the surface with masking tape.

Place small dabs of the stencil paint colors onto the paper plate to use as a palette.

Dip the very tip of the stencil brush into the first color of paint. Remove excess paint from the brush by dabbing it onto the paper towel. The proper amount of paint on the paint brush should be minimal; the brush should seem quite dry. Color is applied in stenciling by many thin layers of paint and not by thick, messy layers.

Tap the paint brush onto the stencil openings in short, light movements. The paint will be applied through a series of many short taps with the brush. This will create an even amount of color. Continue tapping the brush until the paint color is as dark as desired. Reload the brush with additional paint when necessary.

Use another stencil brush to change paint colors. Load the stencil brushes all in the same fashion and apply the paint in the same way. If it is necessary to relocate the stencil along the surface, carefully remove the stencil and reposition it with additional masking tape. Because the amount of paint applied to the surface is so minimal, it is not necessary to wait for paint to dry before removing the stencil. Make sure the stencil continues to be straight by using the level, if necessary.

Remove the stencil from the surface when finished. Clean up all tools with dish soap and water. Dry the paint brushes completely.