Stenciling in a Nut Shell
Thank you for your interest in our brand new stencil collection. We are excited to make our childrens designs available to you. Here are some tips to get you started.
Registration Marks
Registration marks are the cut outs in the corners of the stencil. These marks are necessary to perfectly align the multiple overlays of a given design to create a clean and realistic affect. Each overlay of a design is numbered indicating the order they should be painted. After carefully placing the first overlay in the desired position, with a pencil lightly fill in the registration marks. With each following overlay, simply line up the marks. Some stencils have two different registration marks. Using the different shapes allows alignment from side to side and up and down (e.g.. Brick Wall).
Paints/Brushes
There are different kinds of paints that can be used to stencil your designs.
Oil paints (which can be purchased as a stick or in a pot) are great for shading, blending and for creating a translucent effect. Acrylic paints (such as craft paints) are great for creating a bright solid looking image that can easily give the illusion of depth when multiple stencil designs are overlapped.
Some stencilists believe that a combination of paint gives the best effect.
After choosing your paint, a clean dry stencil brush is needed for each color used. Hang your stencil using low tack tape so as not to damage the wall. Fill in the registration marks. Dab the brush into the paint. Rub the brush onto a paper towel, working the paint into the bristles and removing any excess paint. The brush should be almost dry to the touch. In most cases, more paint ends up on the paper towel than on the wall. Pound the brush up and down or swirl in a circular motion in the stencil openings. Repeat with each overlay until the design is complete.
Note: Layering paint creates a deeper color. Donãt add more paint to the brush; this only causes the paint to seep under the stencil creating a messy design.
Cleaning
Cleaning of stencils is not recommended because it can compromise the design. If the stencil becomes too caked with paint, a small amount of alcohol can be used to remove paint along the design edge to maintain its crisp and clear appearance. Brushes however need a lot of attention. A new brush should be conditioned. Clean using Murphys oil soap and let air dry. Then, after painting with acrylic paints, wash brushes with soap and water, swirling gently on the palm of your hand. For stubborn paint, dip the ends of the brush in alcohol and swirl.
For oil paints, Murphys oil soap and swirling works really well. You must let your brushes air dry before their next job.
Hints:
- Always become familiar with your stencil and how it is put together before starting.
- Always practice on a scrap piece of paper. It will save you a lot of grief.
- If you are finding that the paint is leaking under the stencil make sure you have sufficiently unloaded your brush of excess paint and always make sure you use a dry brush. Well, you are ready to get started. Enjoy!!!
- Carol@ Whimsical Walls Stencil Company
