Stenciling Tips

A stencil is a letter, number, cartoon, typographical symbol, illustration, or any other Stenciling shape or image in cut-out form (it can be cut out of paper, cardboard, metal or other material). Stencils are used to create sharp-edged paintings of the desired image, by applying paint on the surface with the cut-out, leaving a painting of that shape on the underlying surface.

Stencil art using spray paint can be quickly and easily produced. These qualities are important where stenciling is illegal or quasi-legal, depending on the city and stenciling surface. Unconventional stenciling surfaces include sidewalks and corporate billboards. The extensive lettering possible with stencils makes it especially attractive to political artists.

A related surrealist technique is aerography, in which spray-painting is done around a three-dimensional object.

Last Updated - 6th November 2005

You can buy stencil patterns and complete stencil kits, but it is more rewarding to create your own designs and cut your own stencils. Materials are easily found in office or art-supply stores. Be sure the wall that you are stenciling is dull, porous and fairly smooth. It is best to paint the wall with flat latex or alkyd paint before you begin. It is also a good idea to make a few trial runs after cutting your stencils by taping the design to a sheet of white paper (or freezer wrap) and practice until you fet a fee for the process.

Steps to Successful Stenciling

Trace your design on a sheet of clear acetate with a wax pencil
Repeat the design on several sheets of acetate so you have a separate stencil for each color of your design
Protect your work surface with a piece of cardboard
Cut out the design on each sheet of acetate with a sharp artist's knife. Use your free hand to turn the stencil so the knife is always cutting in the same direction and don't lift the knife until the shape has been completely cut
To compute how many times to repeat the design, measure the stencil and the area you are applying it to. Divide the stencil's measure into the area. If there is a remainder, use it for spacing between repeats of the design
Hold the acetate in place and lightly mark the wall at the corners of the stencil
Tape the stencil of the color you plan to use most to the wall
Work with one color at a time
With a tiny amount of stencil paint on the stenciling brush, use an up-and-down motion, keeping the brush perpendicular to the stencil
Uptape the acetate and carefully lift it straight up
Wipe off any wet paint
Tape the second color acetate into position and stencil it as before
Continue with the other stencils, filling in all the cut-out areas
If you want to make the wall washable and preserve the stenciling longer, apply a coat of polyurethane varnish with a smooth roller after all the stencil paint is completely dry.