Stencils can be used to give a fun, personal touch to any surface, from walls to t-shirts. One of the most commonly used materials for stencils is vinyl, because it is strong and reusable. You can make your own vinyl stencils at home by selecting and printing the design, then cutting it with an X-Acto knife (a craft knife shaped like a pen). If you want to decorate the fabric, make a stencil from freezer paper (paper with a wax coating on one side used to wrap food in the freezer), which you can attach to the fabric with an iron.
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Method 1 of 2: Making a Vinyl Stencil
Step 1. Print the stencil design on vinyl if you have an inkjet printer
Load the vinyl into the inkjet printer tray as you would with plain paper. Next, print the stencil with a computer or laptop.
- Check the printer's manual first if you don't know the type of printer or the type of paper (material) that can be used with the printer.
- Never use a laser printer to print vinyl. These printers produce temperatures so high that they can melt the vinyl and damage the stencil.
- If you only have a laser printer, print the design on plain paper, then trace the design onto the vinyl using permanent marker.
Tips for Choosing a Stencil Design
If you are a beginner, choose an uncomplicated design or curved edges. Straight lines and simple designs are easier to slice.
To get a different design than others, make your own image. Design the print directly on the vinyl, or draw it on the paper first before you transfer it to the vinyl.
If you want to make a very large stencil, print the design at a printer or screen printing press, instead of printing it yourself using a printer.
Step 2. Cut the stencil design onto the cutting mat using an X-Acto knife
Move the knife carefully around the edges of the drawing, including any interior parts that need to be removed. Remember, all negative space will be painted over later.
- To keep the stencil from shifting, you can attach it to the cutting mat using tape, or have someone hold it in place while you're cutting.
- If you have one, you can also use a vinyl cutter or stencil cutter.
- Set aside any loose and needed inner parts later to form the design. For example, if you're drawing a donut, save the inner piece you sliced. Otherwise, you will have an image of a donut with no holes in the center.
Step 3. Use masking tape to attach the stencil to the surface of the object
You will find it difficult to hold the stencil in position while painting. The end result will be spoiled if the stencil is shifted. So, stick the tape on the outer edge of the stencil.
Choose a tape that matches the surface of the object to be painted. For example, if you want to paint a wall using a stencil, use painter's tape to keep the paint from damaging the wall
Step 4. Apply 2-3 coats of paint to the stencil, allowing each coat to dry before applying a new coat on top
A light coat produces a more even color and the brush strokes are not visible. You can use a brush or foam roller to apply paint to the negative space of the stencil. Wait for the paint to dry before applying a new coat to avoid damaging the previous coat.
- Be careful not to apply the brush or press too hard on the roller, as this could cause the stencil to slide or the paint to enter the bottom of the stencil.
- Use the type of paint that matches the surface to be painted. For example, if you are working on a wall, use interior wall paint. Use acrylic paint to decorate the ceramic surface.
- Spray paint is also an easy and quick option to apply to stencils.
Step 5. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before removing the stencil
If the stencil is removed before the paint is dry, the paint may be damaged. Check the paint can or packaging for the recommended drying time. Each brand and type of paint requires a different drying time.
Once dry, the paint won't stick to the touch. If it feels a little sticky, let it sit for a while longer
Creative Ways to Use Stencils
Make an accent wall (a wall that is painted in a different color from the other side of the wall) in a house with a bold pattern that covers the entire wall.
Decorate furniture (eg bedroom table or dressing table) with beautiful pictures.
Make your own card using a small stencil.
Make 1 large design on the wall to become a permanent work of wall art.
Design a homemade gift wrap by decorating the wrapping paper using a stencil pattern.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Fabric Stencil
Step 1. Print the design on freezer paper using an inkjet printer
Load the freezer paper into the printer tray as you would with plain paper. Make sure the design is printed on the matte side of the paper.
Never print freezer paper using a laser printer. This can melt the paper and damage the printer. If you only have a laser printer, print the design on plain paper, then trace it onto freezer paper using a permanent marker
Step 2. Cut the design with an X-Acto knife on the cutting mat
Hold the paper with one hand to keep it from sliding, then use the other hand to carefully cut along the edges of the design with an X-Acto knife. Remember, the paint will stick to the area you removed.
- Eliminate any parts of the design that you also want to paint.
- To make cutting easier, tape the paper to the cutting mat with tape, or have someone hold it up.
- If you have a vinyl or craft cutting machine, use this tool instead of cutting it by hand.
How to Handle Cuts on the Inside
Stick the labels out of paper tape if you have multiple insides on the design. Otherwise, you will be confused about inserting the correct cut in the stencil area.
Use tape to hold the inner piece in place when you paint the stencil. The tape won't melt when it's ironed, so stick it on the inside of the piece before you iron the stencil.
Try to keep it stuck to the stencil. You can leave a small line of freezer paper that serves to connect the inside of the design to the rest. Remember, this line will show when you paint it.
Step 3. Iron the stencil onto the fabric with the glossy side down
If you iron the stencil with the matte side down, the paper will stick to the iron, not the fabric. Move the iron over the entire surface of the stencil, including the edges, so that the paper is firmly attached to the fabric.
- Do not hold the iron at one point for more than 5-10 seconds as this may cause the paper to melt. Keep moving the iron on the stencil.
- Check for gaps or loose edges as paint could get under them. So, when you see it, iron the place back.
Step 4. Place another sheet of freezer paper under the cloth
This is to protect anything under the fabric, and it's especially important if you're doing this on a t-shirt so that the paint doesn't penetrate the back of the shirt. Make sure the paper under the fabric covers the entire area you want to paint.
- To prevent the paper from shifting when you paint, attach the paper to the fabric using masking tape.
- Thick strips of cardboard or several sheets of newsprint can also be used instead of freezer paper for protection under the fabric.
Step 5. Apply 2-3 coats of permanent fabric paint to the stencil
Permanent fabric paint does not fade when the fabric is washed. Do not move the brush as you would when painting a wall, as this could cause the paint to sink under the stencil. Apply several thin coats of paint using a brush to prevent the stencil from getting wet and curling, instead of applying it in one thick layer.
- The number of coats of paint to apply depends on the color of the fabric and the type of paint. For example, if you want to apply light-colored paint to a dark shirt, you'll need to apply multiple coats to color the shirt.
- Allow each coat of paint to dry before you apply a new coat.
- You can also buy a special stencil brush at a craft store or the internet instead of using a regular brush.
Step 6. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours
Check the label on the paint can for the recommended drying time as each brand or type of paint will vary. If you're still in doubt, a good basic rule of thumb is to let the paint dry for an entire day.
You can speed up the drying process by blowing hot air on the paint using a hairdryer
Step 7. Remove the stencil from the fabric when the paint has dried
Removing the stencil while the paint is still wet can allow the paint to seep into the surrounding fabric, with blurred and damaged edges of the design. You can remove the stencil by hand.
- Use an X-Acto knife carefully to loosen the edges of the stencil that are difficult to peel off.
- If you want to protect the stencil paint on the fabric, you can place a cheesecloth on top of the paint and iron it for about 30 seconds. This makes the paint adhere more firmly to the fabric.
Tips
- Create a simple stencil design, without using a lot of complicated details. This makes it easier for you to cut it.
- If you have a laser printer, print the design on plain paper first. After that, trace the design onto freezer paper or vinyl.
- Place a cutting mat under the stencil when you are cutting to prevent damage to the workbench.
- Do not forget to cut the inside of the stencil.
- Always allow the paint to dry completely before you remove the stencil to avoid damaging the final stencil.
