Best Stenciling Techniques

1. Essential: Use an adhesive spray to firmly stick the stencil to the surface you are stenciling. (unless you are using an adhesive-backed stencil).
2. Less Paint on the brush/roller is best. This is called the “Dry Brush Technique”. Using too much paint will cause color “bleeding” under the edges of the stencil design, and a less even finish.

    If using a Brush: The Dot Test: dip your brush in the paint, then blot all excess paint onto a paper towel/paper towel roll. Then use your brush to make a dot on some scrap paper. Brush the dot with your finger, if the paint smudges the brush has too much paint. Repeat blotting, and then make another dot. When your dot does not smudge you have the right amount of paint for stenciling.

    If using a Roller: Blot off excess paint on a paper towel or in the paint trough. Be sure the roller is almost dry before you begin stenciling.

    3. Color is best applied in many light, even coats of paint. (5-6 coats is normal, stenciling on fabric may require more). Swirl the paint onto the stencil design and continue to apply more layers until you are satisfied with color.
    4. Allow the paint to dry between coats. If you notice your brush is removing paint rather than adding it, take a brief rest and let the paint dry before adding more coats.
    5. If the surface you are stenciling is uneven, stipple (dab the bristles up and down) to prevent color “bleeding”. Stippling is also a good technique for stenciling slippery surfaces such as glass.
    6. Apply painter tape (we highly recommend frog tape) around the edges of the stencil and on any areas you don’t want to paint. This helps create a crisp finish.