How to use Stencils

http://www.signmountain.com/

Stencilling is very easy. We include colour prints of chosen designs to act as a colour guide and the stencils are re-usable.

First you need to spray a film of repositionable spraymount to the back of the stencil. We use "3M" in the US.

The stencil will stick to the surface to be stencilled leaving both hands free.

Dip the brush in the paint and remove most of the paint on an old rag.

Stipple the colour through the stencil with a rapid up and down movement.

The harder it is to apply the colour, the less chance of the paint seeping under the edges of the design.

This will give you nice clean edges.A textured effect can be achieved by first stippling a lighter colour.

Next, apply a darker shade with more stipples to the edges of the shapes or to one side, gradually fading the darker stipples out as you move towards the centre of each shape.

A bit of practice on some paper will allow you to perfect your technique.

The stencil can be peeled back a little to check on progress.

Stencil paint is basically emulsion paint put into small jars with fancy labels. Match pots or tester pots are ideal as the paint goes a long way, they are inexpensive and they come in a vast array of colours.

Never use a wet brush.