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Stenciling Tips and Techniques

The most common tool to use for stenciling is the stencil brush. However, you can also use a natural sea sponge, or even a foam roller to apply your paint. Each technique will give you a different effect. Deciding on what stenciling technique to use really depends on what you're stenciling and the finished look that you want.

Pounce
Sponge
Roll
Stencil a fun design
Roll a rainbow stencil
Blend with a natural sea sponge

What kind of paint do I use for stenciling?

There's a variety of different paints that you can use for stenciling. Each type of paint has advantages as well as disadvantages. I like using artist acrylics for stenciling because the paint is thick and much easier to control. I've have good results with the following paints. However, not every paint will work for every project. So if one type of paint doesn't work out for you experiment with another type until you get the results that you want.

What really makes Lumiere metallic paint stand out is it's brilliant glossy sheen. Lumiere paints come in gorgeous iridescent pearl sheens. They'll add dimension and interest to your stenciling project. I've used this paint to stencil walls and fabric. I like it because it's a thick paint that goes on smooth and covers well. It also cleans up easily with soap and water.
Stencil cremes are an oil based, dry solid that's spillproof. It can take 24 hrs or more to dry. Because of the slow drying time they work well for blending colors. Stencil cremes don't seep under the stencil so they leave a crisp, clean edge. Clean your brushes with soap & water and a little elbow grease.
This is one of my favorite paints. Basics is a thick, creamy artist paint that works great for general purpose craft painting. I've used it to stencil walls with good results. The paint is thick and less likely to run under the stencil. The colors can be easily mixed together to create your own colors. Cleans up easily with soap and water.
I've used Americana for various craft and stenciling projects. It covers well and comes in a range of different colors. Cleans up with soap and water

Stenciling with a foam roller

Spray stencil with adhesive then smooth with a brayer.

Speedball Brayer

 Roll thin layers of acrylic paint on to the stencil. This will give you a crisp clean edge. Foam rollers work great because they hold the paint and don't splatter. Slowing remove the stencil before the paint is dry.

Click on image to purchase custom made decorative lettering stencils.

Create a rainbow stencil
I needed a colorful stencil as a border for a Hawaiian theme so I created the rainbow stencil by mixing together and stenciling 3 colors at once. Iridescent paints such as Jacquard Lumiere Metallics or Scribbles Iridescent acrylics work well for this project.
For this project I used bright iridescent Scribbles acrylic paint. However, Lumiere or Golden will also work. Put a blot of paint on a paper plate or rolling tray. Lightly roll your foam roller around. Spray your stencil down with adhesive and smooth with a brayer before rolling on the paint. Slowly remove your stencil so you don't smudge the paint.
Jacquard Lumiere

The Wildwood Cottage is a web site that provides tips and techniques, ideas and inspiration for unique art projects and crafts.

Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Pablo Picasso