Before beginning any stenciling project, it is important that your surface be prepared properly. It is best to stencil surfaces that are as smooth as possible. If the surface is not smooth the stencil will not produce clean, crisp designs. *(If working with wood, the best way to smooth a surface is with fine sand paper).

If the back ground of your project needs a base coat, simply pick your background color and paint with a foam brush.  *Foam brushes cover a lot of area quickly and smoothly.  They are also washable, so you can use them over and over.

Pour a small amount of paint on a plate or palette, about the size of a quarter. Dip just the tip of your brush or sponge into the paint. If using a brush, with a circular/swirling motion, remove excess paint on a different paper plate or paper towel until the brush is "dry". Too much paint on the brush causes blotchy designs.  If using a sponge, start dabbing and ‘pushing/working’ the paint into the sponge until the sponge feels almost ‘dry’/moist (NOT WET!)   *Remember - stenciling is a "dry" brush technique. The most common mistake is overloading your brush. It is far better to stencil a few layers gradually, instead of one thick paint application. If paint begins to ‘bleed’ behind your stencil or if your designs do not have crisp defined edges, YOU ARE USING TOO MUCH PAINT.

Once brush is loaded, test (practice) on an area of your paper plate to test the imprint.  The brush/sponge is properly loaded when there is a uniform (almost powdery) looking imprint on the plate.  There should be nothing wet or sloppy.

Once brush/sponge is loaded.  …You are ready to stencil!  There are different ways to stencil.  The most common is either the ‘stippling’ or ‘swirling’ technique.  Stippling is a straight up and down motion.  Swirling is in a circular motion.  Here is what I recommend:

LARGE AREAS -  I like to use a sponges.  With a sponge, you can cover a larger area MUCH faster and will have a smooth (non-stippling) finish.

MEDIUM SIZED AREAS -  I like to use the stippling technique with a stencil brush.  It covers well and evenly distributes the paint.

SMALL/DETAILED AREAS -  I like to use the swirling technique.  The reason this is the best technique for a tiny detailed area, is when you’re swirling it really gets those tiny edges and corners that are hard to evenly distribute when just stippling.  Swirling is the BEST choice for tiny/detailed areas.  *Important: …when using this techinique, your brush needs to be very ‘Dry’ …if it’s too wet, it will look sloppy and leak.  Be patient, even if it takes a few coats, it will look just beautiful and crisp in the end!  J

When finished stenciling, carefully peel off the stencil.  ….You’re not finished yet!  ….Remember to connect those bridges!  *Especially when stencil with letters.  Just because you stenciled something, doesn’t mean it needs to LOOK like a stencil when you’re finished!  Bridges are needed in stencils, so the middles don’t fall out (example: the letter ‘B’) …if there were no bridges, the middle of the B would fall out.  SO, after stenciling, take a small paintbrush and dip the tip into the same color as the letter/image.  Then lightly connect the letters.  The finishing product is SO much more professional.  Take pride in your work and take time to connect the bridges to give your project that final touch.  You’ll be happy you did! J

Once your project is dry, (depending on preference), you can spray or paint a protective coat.  I usually use the spray can.  There are different finishing sprays you can use, that are all available in your local craft store (paint isle).  I like to put a finishing spray on my projects, as it gives it that ‘professional/finishing’ look and it also helps protect your product for years and years of enjoyment.

Clean up  time!  After you’re finished, simply toss out your paper plate.   Your stencils and brushes/sponges can all be cleaned with soap and warm water.  Careful cleaning of your stencils and brushes will enable them to be uses again and again.