How to Stencil a Back To School Chalkboard Sign

How to Stencil a Back To School Chalkboard Sign

Capture your child's next big step towards greatness with Oak Land Studio's Back To School Chalkboard Sign Project!

What You Will Need

What you'll need
Here's everything you'll need to create a lasting memory you and your family:

Preparing the Chalk

Create chalk dustPour into dishGreen chalkYellow chalkBrown chalkWhite chalk

First, sand some colored chalk into a pile of chalk dust over a clean piece of paper and separate into different cups. Use a new piece of paper and a different section of sand paper for each color.

Repositionable Spray Adhesive

Turn stencil overRepositionable Spray AdhesiveSpray underside

Next, take the first stencil and turn over on a protected surface. Spray some Repositionable Spray Adhesive on the back side of the stencil and allow to dry for a few seconds until it becomes tacky.

Stenciling

Position stencil. on chalkboardPress for good adhesionCup of water

Position the stencil on the chalkboard, making sure to leave sufficient space at the bottom for the grade stencil.

Collect water with dropper
Add to white dust
Stir to make paste

Using a dropper, add a small amount of water to the white powder and mix to form a paste. Using too much water will cause the color to bleed underneath the stencil. Remove excess moisture by swirling the brush on a paper towel prior to stenciling.

Paint with chalk dust pasteFinish white elementsRed pasteStencil red elementsContinue with redFinish with redGreen pasteBrown pasteFinish brown elementsYellow pasteFinish yellow elementsSwitch stencils

Apply the color very lightly - when wet it will be barely visible on the black chalkboard. When working close to the frame, use your other hand to press the stencil down flat against the surface of the chalkboard.

Once finished with a color, rinse the brush well and dry thoroughly using a clean rag or paper towel.

Repeat for each of the other colors.

For stencil elements that are close together, use Frog Tape to mask off the portions that you aren't filling in with the next color.

Grade Stencil

Mask with paperNext stencilFrog Tape

Once finished, wait at least a half hour for the chalk paste to dry completely. Remove the stencil if there if necessary to prevent overlap with the next one. Cover the area that is already stenciled to protect it from accidental rubbing or spilled chalk paste.

Again, use the Repositionable Spray Adhesive on the other stencil and position it on the chalkboard. If necessary, use the Frog Tape to help hold it in place.

Finish stencilingRemove stencilFinished!

By now, the white chalk paste in the bowl will have dried out and will need a more water.

Once dry, lift your stencil to reveal your heartwarming new Back To School sign!

For more tips and ideas, visit OakLaneStudio.com today.