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Raised Stenciling Techniques
If you have not tried raised stencils (aka Dimensional,3D or Sculpture stencils) you’re missing out on a unique stenciling technique. Raised stencils are fun and easier to create then you might think. If you can frost a cake you're talented enough to make a raised stencil. They're created by pushing stencil paste through a heavy grade stencil. Once the stencil paste is dry it can be painted, jazzed up with glitter, glazed or left as it. The ideas are endless.
Raised stencils can be used on walls, wood, paper, and even glass. You can use them to decorate your home, as a window decoration, to embelish furniture or to make homemade Christmas ornaments. They add that extra pizzazz with stunning results.
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There are hundreds of different stencils to choose from. You can stencil murals, numbers, sports themes, personalized names, animals, holiday designs or whimsical designs, etc. What ever hobby, sport or interest you might have there's a stencil that will work. Raised stencils will add dimension and interest to your decorating projects, and once you make one you'll be hooked. However, not every stencil is created equal and not all of them will work for raised stenciling.
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Before you try your hand at raised stenciling, start out with a good, durable stencil that will hold up. By hold up I mean that the stencil is rigid enough to support the stencil paste. Raised stencils are made from a heavy grade (thick) stencil material that can be 2-3 times thicker than a decorative stencil. The thickness is what holds in the stencil paste giving the stencil depth.
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Purchasing Raised Stencils
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You can purchase raised stencils from craft stores or on-line stores that specialize in custom made, decorative and raised stencils. The craft stores have some fun stencils in a variety of different designs. I always like checking out Joanne Crafts just to see what new stencils they have.
However, if I’m looking for a larger stencil or a unique design then I shop at Stencil Ease. They have a great selection of stencils in just about any hobby, design or personalized saying that you might want.
The majority of stencils are made from mylar and are lazer-cut for accuracy. Mylar is a type of plastic film that was developed back in the 1950's. Since mylar is durable it has a variety of different uses, one of which is stencils. It's durable and cleans up easily with soap and water.
Stencils come in a variety of different sizes and weights for different stenciling projects such as decorative, raised, industrial and custom stenciling. Most decorative stencils are made from 5ml to 7.5ml mylar while raised (aka 3D or Dimensional) stencils are 10ml - 15ml thick. Industrial and outdoor stencils are the heaviest at 60ml thickness. Finally, there are custom stencils which can be ordered in a range of weights from 5ml - 60ml thickness.
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Stencil paste or Sheetrock mud (aka joint compound)
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So now you know what type of stencil to choose, you've picked out your stencil …… you're ready to get started. You can use sheetrock mud or Stencil Paste for creating raised stencils. I've used both and I like Stencil Paste better because it's light, fluffy and very easy to apply. It also comes in smaller, more manageable containers which don't dry out.
While sheetrock mud (aka joint compound) is much heavier and kind of gritty in comparison. It's used for repairing joints in-between sheetrock so it contains plaster. I've also had problems with sheet rock mud getting under the stencil. Finally sheet rock mud can be lumpy so you need to mix it up good before you use it. Lumpy sheetrock mud can really mess up your stenciling project.
When it coming to applying a raised stencil I like to use plastic scrappers. They come in a variety of sizes and have a little bit of flex.
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How to remove a raised (3D, Dimensional) stencil
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There may come a time when you're ready to redecorate and you need to remove your raised stencil. So how do you remove it?
If you're removing Stencil Paste from glass it's very easy. Since Stencil Paste drys to the consistency of a soft rubber it almost peels off the glass. But, more likely then not, you need to remove a raised stencil from a wall. Start by going very carefully with a metal paint scrapper. You need to get under the stencil and lift it off the wall. It may come off in one piece though most often it will break apart in chunks. After you've scrapped the stencil off your wall you'll need to touch up the wall with a little sand paper and maybe some fresh paint.
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Highlighting a Raised Stencil
Raised stencils will add dimension to your stenciling projects. Enchancing with a dark paint or glaze with make them appear even more realistic.
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Before you launch into your raised stenciling project ....practice. It really does pay off. Heavy weight cardboard that's been primed and painted works great for practicing raised stenciling. Like I said if you can frost a cake you can create a raised stencil, now here's your chance. Practice applying stencil paste until you have an even layer, now carefully remove your stencil. Smudging the stencil is just part of the learning process. When you get the look that you want ... your ready.
Stenciling tip... there's no need to waste the Stencil Paste when you're done practicing. Simply scrape it off your practice board and put it back in the container.
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The Wildwood Cottage is a website that providestips and techniques, ideas and inspiration for unique art projects and crafts.
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Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso
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