Stencil Instructions
Repeating Design
There are registration marks cut into the mylar. Use these to help guide you in keeping the repeat as regular as possible. Simply mark these openings lightly with pencil (or paint using your stencil brush) and move the stencil over to fit on top of the previous registration marks. Also use these marks to guide you when placing the second layer of a two layer stencil.
When doing a wall surface you may want to use a plumb line as a guide to keeping your pattern on a straight vertical. Some people use a chalk line for this, but I usually just tape a piece of string on the wall with a weight on the end (a key or a washer will do). I leave the string in place as I position my stencil, and use this as a visual guide to make sure I’m aligning the pattern as true to vertical as possible.
Adhering the Stencil to a Surface
Use a low tack spray adhesive (I usually use 3-M REPOSITIONABLE Spray Mount, but have also used other brands such as Krylon and ones marketed especially for stencils sold through craft stores). Spray the back lightly and let it become tacky. Position the stencil with both hands. You may also want to use “blue” painters tape (also 3M) to help keep it in place, especially if you’re affixing a stencil to a ceiling.
Stenciling with Paint
I’ve used both artist acrylics (especially when I use gold) and flat interior house paints (many paint stores now carry small sample jars which are perfect for stenciling). The contrast between using the flat house paint and the more shiny acrylic paint can be quite nice. I use stencil brushes which have flat heads for applying the paint. Make sure the brush is never overloaded with paint. Pick up a small amount of paint with the brush. I use a lid to a cottage cheese container (or similar small lid to hold in my left hand) and swish the brush on this to get the correct amount of paint on the brush. Apply the paint through the holes in the stencil using a dabbing motion. If you want a lighter, airier feel to the final stencil job, you may want to have a cloth handy to wipe the brush before applying the paint to the wall.
Practice Board
You may want to have a trial run of your stencil job on a tester board(s) before going right to your wall. I’ve used both foam core boards (craft and art supply stores carry this) as well as masonite boards purchased through Home Depot. I prime and paint these tester boards and then do my color tests on these.