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Ever wonder the best way to apply a stencil?

Whether you are doing a stencil application on a wall, or craft project, SnodCraft has a few helpful hints.

Prepare before starting your stencil project.

Make sure your surface is clean and dust free, measure out stencil placement.  If applying lettering, stencil on a blank sheet of paper to check measurement and spacing.  Practice your stenciling on a piece of paper before beginning your project if this happens to be your first experience with stenciling.  Once you know exactly where you want the stencil to go on your project and feel secure with the “how to”, then secure the stencil to the surface with blue painter’s tape, or stencil spray adhesive.  We recommend a round bristle stencil paint brush – pick the size brush that corresponds with the size of your project.  We do not recommend the use of a craft sponge brush since the sponge tends to hold too much paint which will then bleed under the stencil.  There are stencil paints available, however we recommend Delta Ceramcoat, DecoArt Americana, or Folk Art acrylic paints available at craft stores.

Start Stenciling.

Pick up a small amount of paint with the stencil brush using a dry stencil brush.  Pounce (straight up and down movement) the brush bristles onto a paper towel removing the majority of the paint. This minimin amount approach keeps paint from bleeding under the stencil and ruining your project.  Next pounce the brush and “paint” the stencil design.  It is always better to pounce several light coats, and then continue with more light coats until you are satified with the look.  Allow each layer to dry before applying a second application of paint, which is another reason to use the recommended acrylic paints – they dry very quickly.  If your stencil design requires more than one color be sure to use a different dry stencil brush for each color.

If you are considering a stenciling project we hope this bit of information has been helpful.  Use our Contact link on the Home page for any questions or comments.  Happy painting!