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I have been using both squares of Cut N Dry foam and cheap cosmetic sponges and neither gives me a super clean line.
What is your preferred method of applying paint through a stencil for crafting?
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Sponge, blending tool, stencil brush, dry baby wipe - whatever I use, I have very little paint on it (dab off on scrap paper). Better to add layers to keep a clean line.
Hmmm. Maybe that's my problem- too much paint. I don't load my sponge or pad but maybe still too much.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
It depends on whether watercolors or acrylic paint, but if acrylic I like using actual stencil brushes - those "pouncy" brushes cut off flat at the top that you, well, pounce with. If you google "stencil brush" you'll tons, from cheap $1+ to madly expensive. If you'd like some examples, just yell.
Beth
ETA that they come in sizes from very small - like 1/4" - up to big guys you'd use for wall stencils. But they're all basically the same type; just the quality varies, like with all brushes.
I always get the same sort of problem, Robin. Whatever I'm putting through a stencil, I always manage to have too much on my sponge, even when I think I've removed enough. Seems we need to remove way more than we think.
Another tip for getting crisp edges I got from a Barbara Gray Clarity video. After she's applied ink through a stencil, she uses a piece of paper towel to 'pull' ink back inwards to the inked area, from the actual stencil edges, if that makes sense? Pretty sure the same thing could be done with paint too.
I experimented and found I got the best results with my cosmetic triangle sponges, making sure to tap off most of the paint and doing multiple layers. It was tedious but turned out nice and crisp. Using ink is so much easier and faster. But I'm committed to working with paint at the moment, so.
I've never used an actual flat stencil brush. Yes, Beth, make some suggestions if you wouldn't mind. There are too many choices out there.
I'd rather not use my Clarity brushes, I think. I want to reserve them for ink.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I have to say I did dedicate one of my Clarity brushes to acrylic paint, and I was really pleased at how well it works. As others have said, the key with stenciling is very little paint. The brushes clean very easily as well.
If using cheap acrylic paint pour some on palette and let it dry a bit which will thicken the consistency, and use sponge or stencil brush to pounce on stencil.
Maybe I'll try one of my Clarity brushes, just to see. Like you say, Dina, paint washes off.
Bohodiva - you're right about paint consistency making a difference. I'm using Paper Artsy Fresco Finish paints, so they've already got good body to them. Some of them are, however, somewhat translucent, which translates into more coats.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I did a lot of stenciling years ago. I did mostly walls and mainly used paint sticks. If stenciling is looking messy it is usually one of two problems. Either there is too much paint (or medium) being used, or the stencil has moved. Usually the brush should look like there is no paint on it and you pounce or swirl the paint onto the surface you are stenciling. You want to start off on the outer part of the stencil (not in the cut opening) much like you do when blending with distress inks, then you work your way onto the cut out areas. I almost always use a swirling method and I find that the easiest way to get a soft look.
I did a lot of stenciling years ago. I did mostly walls and mainly used paint sticks. If stenciling is looking messy it is usually one of two problems. Either there is too much paint (or medium) being used, or the stencil has moved. Usually the brush should look like there is no paint on it and you pounce or swirl the paint onto the surface you are stenciling. You want to start off on the outer part of the stencil (not in the cut opening) much like you do when blending with distress inks, then you work your way onto the cut out areas. I almost always use a swirling method and I find that the easiest way to get a soft look.
I totally agree with all of these tips. I stenciled entire rooms for wallpaper effect. Many had multi layer stencils! You must have an almost dry brush. Otherwise paint will leak under the stencil edge. You can use painters tape or washi tape to hold your stencil so it doesn't move. I also used spray stencil adhesive to hold down stencil.
I am in awe of you, stenciling an entire room! And here I am, whining about my little tag project ;)!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I am in awe of you, stenciling an entire room! And here I am, whining about my little tag project ;)!
I took classes from a wonderful stencil artist who had a store in Denver. She did wonderful things! I did many rooms in my house & other people's. I did the website for the stencil shop as well. I learned to drag drywall mud compound thru a stencil for beautiful effects on walls. Now they have stencil paste for smaller applications.
Best way to apply paint through a stencil?
