Surface Preparation and Positioning the Stencil
Beginning with a clean surface, you will then paint the item its base
color. In dealing with surfaces, let’s look at floors, for example.
Wooden and concrete floors take to stenciling very well and are fun to
do! Both do need to be cleaned with special cleansers that will remove
the dirt and grime specific to floors.
Wooden floors need to be sanded until they are smooth, but removing
the varnish is not necessary, and thus makes this project approachable
even to the novice. When stenciling over varnish, be sure your paint is
oil based or car spray. Either will adhere permanently to the varnish.
Once you are finished stenciling either surface, be sure to protect your
creation with 3 coats of polyurethane. Read the instructions on the poly
can to estimate drying time between coats. Your project needs to be free
of any outstanding objects. Door hinges can be removed, along with
handles or knobs. If you have something that cannot be removed, plan how
you will get around it. You may need to cut the stencil in order to
accommodate the situation.
When stenciling fabric to use as curtains, tables cloths and so on,
the material should be cut beforehand for its intended use. Fabrics that
are natural need to be prewashed. These would be silks, cottons and
linens. To prolong the life of the piece you have created, frequent
washings are not recommended. In working with natural fabric you may
find it soon becomes your favorite as it holds stenciling very well!
In positioning your stencil, accuracy is absolute. It will take time
and practice but it always be the step that has to be most precise, as
nothing else will mar the project in a noticeable degree as
misplacement. When using repeat patterns, it’s important to mark the
position of each pattern. Not doing this could lead to a crooked design.
There’s no need to take that chance!
To find the center point on a square or rectangular surface, you need
to draw in the diagonals with a ruler. You will find the center at the
point of crossing. When finding the center of a large surface such as a
wall, you can use string. Tack the string at the corners and run
diagonally across the wall. Notice the point they cross this determines
the center.
Horizontal alignment is found differently but is as simple as above.
Remember this will come easier as you practice and come up with your way
of doing things. That’s what make it’s an art! Using a spirit level, you
will find your horizontal alignment and plumb line to get the true
vertical line. The majority of walls, door frames, and such do have a
bit of crookedness to them. Don’t be surprise. Just be prepared! When
you have your guide marks in place, you can then secure your stencil to
the surface using masking tape or tacks, whichever you prefer and feel
will allow you to move the stencil with ease. You may also want to try a
mounting-grade spray adhesive that will hold the stencil in place. This
spray allows you to lift the stencil and reposition making your work go
a bit quicker and smoother. Spray the stencil right side down on the
protective paper you will be using. Coat lightly with the adhesive. Let
this become tacky and then position it adhesive side down. If producing
mirror images, dust the tacky side with baby powder and then flip over.
This is a great method to use when working with glass or ceramic tiles.
Very little bleed and clean lines are also a benefit when using this
method.
Preparation is essential to the art of stenciling. The effort made
will not ever be regretted!
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