Stenciling Instructions

Stenciling . . . the easy way to decorate with paint!

Getting Started

Always practice your design on paper first. You will need the following supplies:

Heart of the Home Stencil Brushes,
one for each color you plan to use
paints in your choice of colors
Heart of the Home Stencil
styrofoam plates
Bounty paper towels
painters tape or spray adhesive

Choosing Your Paint

At Heart of the Home Stencil Company, we believe the medium with which you stencil depends upon the paint that is already on your wall or surface. When stenciling on flat paint, we recommend that you use stencil creme paints. Flat paint is very porous and since creme paints are oil based, they take longer to dry. This allows you time to manipulate the paint and to achieve great shading. Creme paints do clean up with Murphy's Oil Soap. If you are stenciling on a satin, eggshell, or any type of washable paint, then we suggest that you use the 2oz. bottles of acrylic craft paint.

Choosing Your Brushes

Brush selection is an element of stenciling that is often overlooked by the beginner. Purchase good quality natural bristle brushes. They will make a tremendous difference in the finished quality of your project. They also last a long time. You will need a brush for each color of paint. Another consideration is choosing brush sizes in proportion to the cut out elements of your stencil. Using a large brush in large cut out areas will speed up the stencil process and give a consistent look. If the brush is too small, the stenciling will look choppy and the work becomes tedious.

Stenciling Instructions

Stenciling is a dry brush technique. That means that your brush must look and feel dry. You should be able to rub the brush across the back of your hand and see only a blush of color. The most common mistake of a beginner is too much paint on the brush. Remember, in stenciling you will WASTE more paint than you will use.

Loading the Brush

If using acrylic paints, apply a quarter size dab of paint onto a styrofoam plate. Dip your brush straight down into the paint. Using a circular motion, rub the brush on a double layer of Bounty paper towel folded in half. Continue until all the wet paint if off the brush. Look at the bristles of the brush. If you see wet paint, you will need to rub some more. The brush should look dry. If using creme paints, first remove the protective film that covers the paint. A popsicle stick works well. Load the brush by dipping into the paint pot using a swirling/circular motion. Holding your brush in a perpendicular position, tap it repeatedly on a piece of glass or ceramic tile to work the paint into the bristles.

Applying the Paint

There are two techniques commonly used in stenciling. Each is equally effective. Practice both to see which is more comfortable for you or which achieves the look you desire. In both methods, (especially swirling) be sure to keep your brush perpendicular to the surface.

Pouncing Method

Gently tap the wall surface in the cut out areas of the stencil. Begin at the edges of the stencil and work your way toward the center areas. This method produces a more textured look.

Swirling Method

Cover the area by swirling the brush, again beginning at the edges and working your way toward the center areas. This method produces a much softer look and is easier on the arms.

Shading

Shading is achieved by applying a contrasting color, or applying more pressure and working the edges again. To shade, switch to a smaller brush. Keep most of the brush on the plastic. In a circular motion tickle or hug the cut out edges of the design. Notice how this will give your stencil a lot more pop. It adds dimension.

You Can Stencil!

Just about anyone can learn to stencil. It is an easy craft or art to learn. With a little practice, you will achieve beautiful results.