Stencil Tips
Please also see our FAQ page for tips and help.
You would think using a stencil would be pretty straight forward, right? Well...
There are a few tips that may help you make the most of using your stencil over and over again! And also enjoy using them, and love creating with them! Here are a few to start with, but if you have any trouble or need a little extra help, please send a message to info@mystencillady.com
Easy as if you like a rough, rustic look for your vintage piece of furniture... just paint on your stencil, sand it back a little and it comes up just perfect, the way it's supposed to.
If you'd prefer a cleaner edge, using a little temporary spray adhesiv may help when you are having trouble with contacting your stencil flat on the surface. Spray on the stencil (surface side down) not the surface and lightly press down. This will help with any bleeding under the edges of the stencil. Spray adhesive may build up on your stencil so I only recommend using it if you require.
Using a stencil brush or sponge, painting from either directly above or brushing from the stencil into the open cutout area will also help eliminate bleed.
Remember there are lot's of different mediums you can stencil with too! Such as chalk paint, acrylic paint, glitter and glue, modelling paste and embossing paste (raised), spray paint, folk art paint, body paint and even fabric paint.
The type of paint you use can really make a difference when stencilling. It helps if the consistency of your medium is thicker rather then too runny.
Our Stencils are reusable many many times if treated with care. Gentle wash up after each use and store flat.
Have fun using My Stencil Lady Stencils!
Some more tips....
Stenciling Tip #1
To get a sharper edge finish, make sure your stencil is in full contact with the surface you are stenciling. It may help to use some spray adhesive or painters tape to keep the contact and also to keep in place.
Stenciling Tip #2
Less AND More....
Less Paint: Go light on with your paint, almost a dry brush or sponge. Too much paint may cause bleed under the stencil and cause the image to blur. Using a paper plate or cloth to dab and remove excess paint before blotting into the stencil will help with this.
More layers: By lightly applying the paint, there may be a need to bulk up the transparency of the paint, so do a few layers to achieve this, allowing drying time in between, always going on with minimum paint and your stencil art will look nice and sharp.
Here's 2 images, one using a sponge and the other with a small stencil brush so you can see the coverage.....
Stenciling Tip #3
Mend your bridges!
Stencils need to to have 'bridges'. These are what joins the stencil together and keeps it from falling apart or looking like one big outline shape.
Once you have painted on your stencil, you can fill in these bridges with a regular small paint brush. Especially with lettering or words, doing this can make the words flow better and be more easily read.
So mend those bridges... if you want to of course LOL
Stenciling Tip #4
Applicators are really up to your imagination!
Brushes and sponges are the most commonly used for stenciling, but using fabric, cotton balls, rollers, foam and even the kitchen cloth can also create different textures and finishes.
Most stencil brushes have short bristles that are all one length, this helps to get right on top of your stencil and use the common dabbing method. Dome brushes are also popular, and using these brushes makes it easier to create different shading effects :)
Stenciling Tip #5
Take Care
Our stencils are made from a very durable, flexible, lightweight and reusable high quality Mylar plastic so taking care of it is easy as.
Just wash up after each use as you would your brushes (taking care especially if an intricate design). So if you have used a water based paint, wash up in water.
This will ensure your stencil keeps it's sharp edges for use again and again :)
Stenciling Tip #6
Flatten It
Flatten it! With gentle care of course lol
When using your stencil over and over again, the best way to store it is completely flat. This will help those little intricate bits contact the surface better when stencilling your paint on.
Put it back in its pocket and lay flat. It can even be stored in between a couple of books if you like… just to make sure :)