How to use a stencil
You will need:
-
Stencil
- Low-tack adhesive spray
- Pencil
- Greaseproof paper
- Kitchen towel
- Emulsion or acrylic paint
- Stencil brush or sponge
- Scalpel or craft knife
- Varnish
Stencilling can be used in a repeat pattern or as a single motif to decorate almost any surface, including walls and floors. There are plenty of traditional and contemporary designs available from suppliers or you can make your own design from clear acetate sheet.
Time to complete job: Stencilling a small pot or piece of furniture can be tackled in a few minutes but a repeat pattern in a medium-sized room may take a day or more.
Approximate budget: From £5.
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Step 1: Creating your own stencil
If you want to create your own stencil, draw your desired design onto a sheet of clear acetate and cut out the areas that will be painted with a sharp craft knife or scalpel. Try not to leave very thin strips of acetate between the cut out areas as these may break.
Tip: You may find designs in books or from wallpaper patterns that you can copy or photocopy. An easy way of transferring a pattern to the acetate is to trace over the design and stick the tracing paper to the acetate with stencil mount. -
Step 2: Attaching the stencil
Use masking tape to attach the stencil firmly to the wall.
Tip: Clean emulsioned walls with some warm soapy water and lightly varnish bare wood before stencilling. -
Step 3: Applying the paint
Dip the tip of your stencil brush or sponge into the paint and then wipe off most of the paint with kitchen paper. If you use too much paint the pattern will be too harsh and may seep under the acetate.
Lightly dab the paint over the stencil design with a stippling action, rather than brushing. If you are using a roller or a sponge, pat it gently on the surface.
Peel off the acetate stencil before the paint has dried and move on to the next section. It's worth cleaning the paint off the stencil after every four or five uses so that dry paint doesn't clog the pattern.
Tip: Commercial stencils may use two or more different acetate sheets to build up a design in different colours. The sheets will have holes or marker points that must be lined up so that the pattern is identical each time. -
Step 4: Sealing
Once the stencilled area is dry, seal with a coat of satin acrylic varnish.
Leave to dry for at least one hour.
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