How to

How to Stencil use our

designer
Motif guides from Henny Donovan stencils

 
How to Stencil
What is Stencilling?
Stencilling is a fantastic decorating medium for creating up to the minute style and your own interior
design statement. It is great for beginners and professionals alike, allowing you to print/transfer an
already designed pattern onto a surface using paint, as many times as you like and in as many
different arrangements, finishes and colours as you like.  So there is plenty of room for creativity. 

Getting Started
Henny has put together this easy to follow, illustrated step by step guide on how to stencil, to help
get you started - so you can see at a glance what a practical and simple decorating medium
stencilling really is. This guide should give every beginner the confidence to get started and a
refresher course for those who have not done it for awhile!  See more tips and helpful hints below
and details of the paints and useful equipment to use - all available through this website.

How to Stencil - Step by Step Guide 

Step 1 - Marking up for Step 2 - Apply Step 3 - Position the
Stencilling     Repositionable Adhesive Stencil

A few registration marks can be Hold the can about 12 inches To position the stencil line up the
useful for positioning your stencil from the stencil and apply a fine top and sides of  the stencil sheet
- use a pencil and spirit level or film of repositionable spray with the registration pencil guides
ruler to make a few horizontal adhesive to the reverse side you have made - this will ensure
and/or vertical registration marks of the stencil sheet/s (adhesive the stencil is straight within the
in which to position the stencil.  from stationers and craft shops). stencilling area.
 
Step 4 - Stick the stencil Step 5 - Pour out Step 6 - Load up Stencil
securely down Stencil Paint Sponge or Brush
Carefully stick the stencil down Tip a small amount of the stencil Dip the stencil sponge or brush
to the surface being stencilled paint colour/s to be used onto a into the stencil paint. Only take
ensuring all cut out shapes and paper or ceramic plate or into up a little paint - too much paint
bridges and delicate areas are a divided flower palette. Only will be prone to bleeding. 
stuck down - this will prevent pour out a small amount and add See notes below on stencilling
paint bleeding under the stencil.   more as you use it. with rollers. 
 
Step 7 - Dab of excess Step 8 - Stencilling with Step 9 - Stencilling with
paint on kitchen towel Stencil Sponge Stencil Brush

 
Dab the stencil sponge or brush Gently work the stencil sponge Work the stencil brush over the
onto some kitchen towel to over the stencil, wiping it over stencil in circular movements
remove the excess paint. each cut out shape in smooth building up colour. Our specially
Working with a nearly dry movements, gently pushing paint domed brushes are best for this,
applicator will prevent any into al the detailed cut out as the rounded tops create a
possible bleeding. Protect the shapes. Sponges are good for smooth professional finish.
surface underneath the kitchen delicate stencils and for Brushes can also be used for
towel with some plastic or other achieving crisp edges. Sponges creating more textured stippled
waterproof material to prevent can be washed whilst wet effects, or spattering colour
paint damaging surface below.  or desposed of through the stencil.
after use.
Step 10 - Load up Step 11 - Removing Step 12 - Stencilling with
Stencil Roller with paint excess paint from roller Stencil Roller
Stencil Rollers are very good for Once the whole of the stencil Gently roll the stencil roller over
stencilling larger areas in single roller has been covered in the secured stencil covering all
colours as they speed up the paint, work the excess paint off cut out shapes with paint. Re-load
stencilling process. They are by the stencil roller by rolling it the stencil roller as necessary
also excellent for intricate, over some kitchen towel. It is until the whole of the design is
delicate stencils as they do not better to start stencilling with a covered. Then go back over the
pull up delicate sections of the nearly dry stencil roller as this stencil again to build up opacity
stencil, eliminating possible will prevent paint seeping under and eliminate any roller lines. As
snagging. To load the paint onto the cut out areas of the stencil you build up successive coats you
the roller dip into the paint and shapes. Protect the surface can work with a little more paint
work over the plate or tile until underneath the kitchen towel as the stencil edges will be sealed
the whole roller is covered. with some plastic or other and less likely to bleed.
waterproof material.
Step 12 - Applying other Step 13 - Step 14 - Removing the
Applying Metallic stencil
colours Stencil paint 

Once you have completed the

If you are using several colours To add metallic or glitter stencilling and applied all of the
for your stencil repeat steps highlights leave the stencil in chosen colours and finishes,
6 - 8 for each colour. Allow each place and  carefully peel the stencil away
colour to dry before applying the over-stencil with Metallic, Glitter from the surface and allow the
next, unless you wish to 'mix' or Interference Paint. Use the paint to dry.
colours as they are applied. same technique as before To store your stencil lay it flat
There will be a natural, attractive working with only a little paint as on a large sheet of paper and
overlap of different colours metallic colours tend to be more smooth it down to stick to the
on multi-coloured schemes. If fluid. paper - the original repositionable
you wish to prevent this Build up layers to intensify the spray adhesive on the reverse
overlapping use small cut down effect. Metallic or glitter finishes side of the stencil sheet will keep
sections of stencil sponge or are stronger and more lustrous  it in place. Store flat. 
small stencil brushes for more when applied over a base stencil
detailed areas. paint of a similar colour, or very
subtle if simply used on their
own.
  
  Two-Layer and
Repeat
Stencilling
  

Two Layer Stencils - Two Layer Stencils - Two Layer Stencils - Step
Step 1 Step 2 3
Stencilling Layer One Aligning Layer 2 Stencilling Layer 2

To stencil the first layer of the Line up the registration dots on Then stencil the second layer with
design follow steps 1 to 14 of the 2nd layer of the stencil with your chosen colour/s. Layer two
How to Stencil above, adding the marks that you have made details are often quite fine so
metallic highlights or 'blushed' from the first layer, whilst make sure the stencils paint is
areas as required. Then use checking that the layer two gently pushed into all lines and
a stencil sponge or pencil to details (usually leaf veins and shapes. Over-stencil with metallic
mark through the registration flower stamens and other smaller paint if desired. Peel off the
dots in the corner of the stencil details) lie within the layer one stencil and remove registration
sheet. Remove the stencil sheet stencilled shapes. Stick down marks with the original wall paint
and allow the paint to dry or carefully ensuring all detailed or by with a pencil eraser or some
use a hairdryer to speed things areas are stuck down fully. cream household cleaner
up.
Two Layer Stencils - Repeat and Border Repeat and Border
Step 4 Stencils Stencils
Finishing Step 1 - Marking up Step 2 - Stencil First
Repeat

Tips for finishing your stencil Use a pencil and ruler or spirit
decoration. If you have level to make some light Apply repositionable spray
applied your stencil to a wall horizontal adhesive to the reverse side
in a room that is subject to and/or vertical registration marks of the stencil. Stick the
moisture such as a bathroom stencil down lining up the edge
or kitchen wall or an area to line up the edge of the stencil
subject to heavy traffic such sheet to. Along with the of the stencil sheet with the
as a hallway or child's room, registration horizontal and/or vertical pencil
or on a piece of furniture use our dots on the stencil this will registration guides you have
Acrylic Matt or Eggshell Varnish ensure made to ensure the stencil sits
to seal the area and protect the that each successive repeat of squarely within the area. Use
decorative effect and prolong your border/repeat stencil will a stencil roller if you are only
its good looks.  remain 'square' and that the using one colour to stencil as
design this will assist in speedy and
doesn't veer off at an angle. Use even coverage. 
a
plastic eraser or household
cream
cleaner to remove the marks
after stencilling.
Repeat and Border Repeat and Border Repeat and Border
Stencils Stencils Stencils
Step 3 - Registration Step 4 - Aligning Step 5 - Second Repeat
Dots repeats

Stencil the second repeat with

Use a pencil or stencil paint For the second repeat line up the same colours as before. 
on a stencil sponge to mark the registration dots in the Multiple colour schemes should
through the registration dots corners of the stencil with the be stencilled in the same
in the corners of the stencil. marks made through the colour order to ensure colour
This will enable you to line up registration dots from the first continuity. Repeat Steps 2 - 5
the next repeat of the border repeat. Also make sure until complete. For two layer
or repeat stencil - to create a the stencil sheet lines up stencils finish stencilling the
continuous pattern repeat. with your horizontal or vertical  whole of the first layer, then 
Remove the stencil and allow registration pencil marks to apply the second layer.
to dry before continuing. ensure the design is 'square'.  
 
 

Paints for Stencilling

All of the paints on the Motif website have been made with stencilling in mind.

Our Stencil Paints in Henny's own choice of colours come in 75 great matt shades and are the
ideal paint for achieving really good quality stencilling results. Use on their own for a matt finish
or add lustrous highlights with our metallic paint options (see below). Each stencil page on this
website offers a range of Stencil Paint colour options with links to the relevant paint colour
pages so you can purchase these easily.

Our Metallic Stencil Paints and Metallic Interference Paints (two-tone metallic colours) can be
stencilled over the Stencil Paint colours for really lustrous effects. Use darker and bright Stencil
Paint base colours to achieve full on, richer effects and lighter pastel Stencil Paint base colours
for lighter, truely reflective results.  For more subtle and translucent effects and a more tone-
on-tone effect use the metallics on their own. You will only need a little metallic or interference
colour on your sponge to achieve a great effect, over-stencilling to increase drama - so a little
paint goes quite a long way. Apply with stencil sponge. These paints are not suitable for fabric
that requires washing.

Use Glitter Paints to add sparkle and glistening metallic shine. Glitter Paint is made of fine glitter
particles in a binder that dries to a clear finish so they are best applied over our Stencil Paints to
achieve best results. Use a Stencil Paint base colour that is close to the Glitter Paint shade that
you are planning to use. Apply with a stencil sponge and dab on lightly to create a sparse
glittery effect, or apply repeatedly to build up to a full metal effect. These paints are not
suitable for fabric that requires washing.

Our high quality Fabric Paints have been specially chosen for their luminosity of colour and
quality colour fastness and we feel these are the best Fabric Paints on the market. Available in
24 beautiful shades including 3 metallic colours. Suitable for natural fabrics such as linen,
cotton, voile, silk and viscose. Can be machine washed after ironing reverse side of fabric with
hot iron. 

Go to: Stencil Paints, Metallic Stencil Paints, Glitter Paints, Interference Paints and
Fabric Paints.

Equipment for Stencilling
Henny has devised a range of stencilling equipment that really works and is easy to use.

Use Stencil Sponges for most stencilling jobs - sponges are great for creating a smooth finish
and for blending and adding 'blushed' effects. Sponges are the best applicator for Metallic
Stencil Paints, Interference Paint and Glitter Paints. They can be washed immediately after use
or simply disposed of.

Use Stencil Rollers for single colour stencilling of large areas. Rollers create a great finish and
because they roll over the stencil shapes they will not snag or lift and tear the stencil - so they
are also good for delicate work as well as for covering area. Work the roller in different
directions over the stencil to achieve full opacity and eliminate roller marks. Do not allow the
paint to dry on the roller and thoroughly rinse out roller heads after use.

Use Stencil Brushes for general stencilling - many people prefer the traditional brush method, so
Henny has created specially domed brushes for softer stencilling effects - use our Deluxe Stencil
Brush Set for great results.  Do not allow paint to dry out completely on the tips of the stencil
brush as this can be very difficult to remove. Wash brushes thoroughly after use.

Use our Divided Flower Palette if you will be using multiple colours - it helps to organize the
paint and eliminate mess whilst working.

Use repositionable spray adhesive to stick the stencil to the surface being stencilled - this will
help prevent paint bleeding under the stencil and will allow you to work easily with both hands.
Masking tape alone will not hold the stencil in place and paint is more likely to seep under the
stencil if it is only taped down. Repositionable spray adhesive is not available through the Motif
website as it comes in a flammable aerosol container which the Royal Mail do not carry inland or
internationally - you can obtain the spray adhesive through art shops, craft shops, office shops,
stationers and some DIY stores.

Use Low Tack Stencil Tape for masking off the edge of stencils to protect surrounding areas or
to mask off motifs on multiple stencil sheets.

Go to Stencil Equipment - for the above items.

Surfaces to stencil onto 

Wall surfaces - stencil onto wall surfaces painted with matt emulsion (flat latex paint), rather
than silk emulsion (satin latex) - stencilling adheres better to absorbent matt surfaces, but slips
on shiny surfaces and may peel away making it non permanent. Seal with Matt or Eggshell
Acrylic Varnish to protect areas subject to moisture, or walls that may need wiping down. You
can also stencil onto plain plastered or limestone plastered walls.

Painted Wooden surfaces - to stencil onto painted wooden surfaces or furniture painted with
waterbased paint, sand lightly to create a key and remove dust with a Tack Cloth prior to
stencilling.  If you wish to seal the area for protection use Matt or Eggshell Acrylic Varnish. To
stencil onto wooden surfaces painted with oil based paints sand thoroughly to create an
absorbent surface.

Plain Wooden surfaces - stencil onto smooth, dry, untreated bare wood and then seal with
varnish. To prepare surfaces previously coated with varnish -  sand to create a key and remove
dust with a Tack Cloth;  remove wax or polish with methylated spirits and wire wool, sand until
smooth and remove dust before stencilling.

Floors - both concrete and wood (including MDF, hardboard and floorboards) are good surfaces
to stencil onto. Ensure surface is dry, clean and dust free and seal with Acrylic Eggshell or Gloss
Varnish after stencilling. Areas subject to a lot of foot traffic will show wear and tear.

Ceramic wall and floor tiles - are not suitable surfaces to stencil onto if the tiles are in a
shower, bath or on a busy floor - even paint advertised as tile paint or masonry paint will wear
off quite quickly, especially if exposed to water or a lot of foot traffic.  This is because the hard
fired surface of the tile will not absorb the paint applied to it, which means it will not bond and
will peel away once water works its way underneath the paint.

Fabrics - use the Motif Fabric Paints for best results and stencil onto natural fabrics such as
100% pure cotton, linen or silk or onto viscose.  Fabrics with 50% man-made fibre content can
be used, but colours will be subject to a faster fade out rate. 100% man made fabrics are not
suitable.  Prepare fabric by washing to remove any dressings and iron out all creases.  For small
pieces of fabric lay on lining paper or plastic to protect the surface beneath. For large pieces of
fabric prepare a large table top by covering with a sheet of plastic secured to the table top.
After stencilling iron the reverse side of the fabric with a hot iron, once the fabric is dry.

Care of stencils
The Motif stencils are made out of mylar (polyester film) which can be used repeatedly and can
be washed gently with soap and water to remove stencil paint to prevent clogging of the design.
Great care should be taken when cleaning delicate, intricate stencils to avoid breaking the small
bridges between the cut out shapes or 'snagging' shapes. Store large stencils flat on sheets of
paper.