How To Guide

Stenciling How To: A Guide for Great Results

 Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a crafting novice, mastering the art of stenciling without bleed is the golden ticket to elevating your projects from homemade to handmade with finesse.

 -Stabilize your work surface, work area, table, etc.

 -Secure your stencil: Before the paint touches the surface, ensure your stencil is secured in position. Use painter’s tape or opt for a repositioning spray adhesive for more grip. Tape all four sides of the stencil to your surface and use a pencil or dowel to hold down the section you are painting. If using spray adhesive, a light spray of the adhesive on the back of the stencil is all you need. A natural citrus cleaning solution or spray may be used to clean the adhesive off of the stencil when finished. For optimal cleaning, place the stencils in a zip lock bag along with the natural citrus cleaner, seal and leave overnight, rinse the next day. Use a toothbrush to lightly remove stubborn build up.

 -Offloading paint, dry brushing, a technique where less is indeed more: After you dip your paint brush, offload the excess paint on a paper towel until the brush is almost dry. With your nearly dry brush, stipple brush, or roller, apply your paint in thin layers, building up the paint to achieve a professional look. Start painting from the outer edges of the stencil working inward towards the center using a gentle tapping motion with your brush, straight up and down onto the surface. The less paint on the brush, the less likely a bleed will occur. *Roller application, the same tips apply only without the tapping, work in thin layers with an almost dry roller. A small roller with tray is recommended.

 -Remove the stencil: Carefully remove the stencil from the surface once painting is completed. Avoid letting the paint dry too long with the stencil still attached in place, this will result in pulling the paint off your surface when removing the stencil. It’s best practice to carefully remove the stencil while the paint is still semi wet. If any imperfections arise, a small paint brush may be used to touch up a section where the paint is missing or imperfect. Also, a small brush works great to paint over the “tabs or bridges” left behind by the stencil if desired.

 Embark on your stenciling adventure with these tips in your arsenal, and you'll soon be crafting creations that are not just made, but meticulously designed. With every dab and tap, you're not just applying paint, you're adding a personal touch of style to your space!