Stenciling is the answer to those white walls craving for decoration. This ingenious technique has been used since antiquity, from the borders of an Egyptian tomb, the medieval chapels, and even on modern shipping crates.
Stencils have been a quick fix to hours of intensive work on painting designs individually. It is a way to embellish plain surfaces - faster and better. Unlike the perfect identical patterns of the commercial wallpaper, stencils give you more space for fun, personalized design. You can buy ready-made stencils available in hundreds of design, choose from free online stencils, or you can also do your own. Here are ways to make stencils for your walls:
Materials for Making Stencils
- Paints
- Brushes or natural sponges
- Stencils
- Paper plates
- Tracing paper
- Masking tape
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Permanent fine-tip marking pens
- Pattern
- Lighter fluid
- Mechanical pencil
- Cutting plate
- Plumb or chalk line
How to Choose Your Paint for Making Stencils
You can choose between acrylic paints and Japan paints. Acrylic paints are most popular and are more available in a wide variety of colors. These are water-based paints that dry quickly, which make it more difficult to work with. The trick is to wait for the brush to be dry, but moist enough for stenciling. Others find it easy to use a damp sponge with acrylic paints.
Japan paints are oil-based and mostly used by professional artists. These paints dry slowly and some would use a drop of lighter fluid to quicken the drying process. Since it's not water-based, you will need solvents like paint thinner to clean your brush. Japan paints are jewel-like in appearance, while those stencils made with acrylic paints appear chalky and opaque.
How to Choose a Pattern for Your Stencil
There are many resources online for patterns, or you may just draw or trace your own design. If you have chosen a small image from a book or a magazine, you may need to enlarge the image to your preferred size. Always keep in mind that stencils come in painted and unpainted spaces. You can visit your local craft store to have an idea of what a stencil looks like.
Simple Steps in Making a Stencil for your Wall
Home decorating can be a fun-filled activity when it comes in making stencils for your wall. You may have your loved ones involved in the process. Now that you have the materials you need, it is time to make your stencils:
- Choose a pattern. Fantasize how it will look like on your wall. Trace your pattern on a tracing paper and use a mechanical pencil to draw the image.
- Put the image under a stencil sheet and this time, trace the image using a permanent fine-tip marking pen.
- After tracing, attach your stencil on a cutting plate by using a masking tape. Make sure that the sheet will not move.
- Using your craft knife, follow the design and cut the stencil paper. Start from the inside, working your way out. Use a gentle, yet steady pressure.
- After cutting, remove the tapes and lift your design carefully.
- Place your stencil on the wall and secure it with a tape. Put a thumbnail-size glob of paint on a paper plate.
- Dip the end of your brush into the paint and swirl in circles. Bristle off the excess on the extra space of the paper plate. If you're using a sponge, make sure it is damp.
- Dab the brush or sponge in a circular motion over the stencil, as you move your brush to new areas. Don't do overlays.
- When the paint is almost dry, gently lift the stencil from the wall. You may use a plumb line from a hardware store, or a chalk line to mark a straight line on your wall, where you will place the next stencil.
- Clean your brushes, sponges and stencils. Keep them for later use.
As you explore the art of making decorative stencils for your home, you will surely discover wonderful possibilities. Don't hesitate with that idea. Have fun.
Marissa Sayno - Marissa Sayno is a professional freelance artist and writer, pushing the limits of her creativity, combining expertise with the best ...
