The Art of Stenciling { Basic Tips & Tricks }

Stenciling is a technique that can make even the most creatively barren person look and feel like an artist! With a simple cut out and a drop of paint, you can instantly transform any wall or piece of furniture into a masterpiece – here are a couple of tips and tricks to help you on your way:

• Don’t use a normal paint brush – invest in a stenciling brush with unique stiff bristles that will keep the paint from slipping under the edges of the stencil.
• Alternatively, consider using a sponge or foam brush and apply the paint in layers.
• Work from the outside in. By drawing your paint brush from the stencil to the centre of the design, you’ll find that the paint is less likely to go under the stencil and spoil your masterpiece.
• Don’t drench your brush in paint as it might seep through a paper stencil – instead wipe off any excess paint and rather come back for a second coat.
• Instead of cardboard, use old X-ray sheets to create your stencil.
• To avoid smears, wait for your stencil to dry first before moving it along to do the next section of your design.
• Wash or wipe your stencil regularly to avoid paint from building up around the edges and altering the shape of your design.
• Be sure to tape your stencil to the surface that you’ll be painting or decorating – if it’s a wall, it’s absolutely essential that you use an adhesive tape that won’t damage or strip the existing paint.
• Plan well! Even though you’re probably anxious to dive right in, it’s important to measure and mark out the stenciling surface to ensure that the pattern is even and complete.
• If you’re using more than one stencil to create your design, practice on a piece of paper first so that you can get an idea of how the stencils work together.
• To ensure that you get the best results, do a little research into which type of paint is most suited to your chosen surface.

Original images and their credits available on Pinterest