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Frequently asked questions
What type of paint should I use?
You can also use metallic paints, glazes, varnish, and textured paints, embossing paste and plaster for your stencil projects.
Can I stencil on a textured wall?
Some textures out there are really rough, with huge "peaks and valleys" and if this is your case I would say that stencilling may not be an option. However, there are light to medium textures out there that are very suitable for stencilling. Many faux fresco techniques actually require applying a textured plaster background first and then stencilling on top of it. Of course, organic stencil designs such as leaves and branches are more forgiving than a designs that have straight lines and perfect edges.
With textures it is especially important that you put very little paint on your brush and always off-load it onto a paper towel or old rag. Use a rubbing/dabbing motion while stencilling and try not to force the paint under the edges of the stencil. You can also use a dense foam roller but make sure that you off load it onto some paper towels so that it is relatively dry. Use very little paint and don't press hard on the roller to avoid seepage. Using spray adhesive can also help a to prevent seepage of paint under the stencils. Always make a sample first or try stencilling a small area in a corner somewhere and immediately wipe it off with a moist baby wipe. Also, it's good to remember that using high contrast colours (like black over white) is much less forgiving than using colours that are similar to each other.
How do I avoid paint bleed when I stencil?
The idea is more about reducing bleed rather than eliminating it completely. Here are some tips on reducing bleeding while stencilling. See more tips in our Stencil videos.
*Don't use too much paint! Too much paint on your roller or brush is the biggest reason for bleed. Off load your brush or roller onto paper towels or old rags to remove excess paint and build your paint coverage with 2 coats if necessary. Even if you think that you don't have too much paint on a roller it still may be too much, so please blot off the roller onto the paper towel or old rag before stencilling.
*Don't use a roller with a nap! They hold too much paint. Using a dense foam roller has given us the best results.
*Don't push the paint under the edge of the stencil and don't apply too much pressure when rolling or stippling with the brush.
*Stencilling on a flat sheen base coat will work better then stencilling on glossier surfaces because your stencil paint absorbs into the basecoat and dries quicker and has less time to seep under the edge.
*Stencilling with flat latex, chalk paint or craft acrylic paint works best because it dries quickly and has less time to seep.
*Stencilling with gloss paints or glazes will increase the potential for bleed because they dry slowly and have more time to seep under the edge.
*Using a good spray adhesive like can greatly reduce bleed. Lightly mist the back of the stencil in a well-ventilated area and let dry for a few minutes. Don't drench the stencil with adhesive because it could transfer to the wall. Re-apply the adhesive every few prints or as it loses its tack.
*The brand and type of paint you use always plays a part in the amount of bleed you could get. Some paints are too watery or too gummy and this may contribute to more bleed. We love using Granny B Old Fashioned Chalk paint
*Some patterns show bleed more than others. Patterns with straight, crisp geometric lines are less forgiving than organic, ornate, damask patterns.
And finally, this is stencilling! It's not supposed to look like perfectly printed wallpaper or stark wall decals! This is a hand-applied artistic wall finish. In almost every case the bleed that you notice while applying the stencil will never be noticed when the project is finished, or even if you just 2 steps away from the wall.
If paint bleed occurs, you can quickly wipe it off with a moist rag or baby wipe, or touch it up later with an artist liner brush and some base coat paint. It's a good idea to clean the paint that bled on the back side of the stencil, since it could contribute to more seepage.
Can I use spray paint with my stencil?
First of all, in most cases spray paint is rather toxic. So if you do use spray paint with your stencils try to do the project outside or at least in a well ventilated area. Shake the can well before spraying.
Another thing to remember: spray paint is liquid and tends to drip under the stencil when you sprayed a bit too much. It might be a good idea to use spray adhesive on the back of your stencil so it sticks to the surface. This should help to keep the paint from blowing under the edges of the stencil.
Also, it's very easy to spray too much paint on. Always start spraying before the stencil openings and move across the stencil evenly. Stop spraying after you've passed over the openings. This prevents paint dripping. Spray multiple lighter coats and gradually build up your coverage. You may want to mask the surrounding surfaces to prevent overspray.
And one last thing. Spray paints usually take longer to dry then regular house paints.
In general, we do not recommend using spray paint for interior stencilling, but it is definitely do-able!
What is a good metallic paint brand?
How do you stencil on furniture?
How do I stencil on fabric?
How do I stencil my floor?
Next, clean the floor. Sweep or vacuum up all the dust and then clean the floor with denatured alcohol or sugar soap. Wipe the floor with the alcohol rag and then follow it with a clean moist rag. As the rags get gunky replace them with fresh ones. Don't just throw the alcohol-soaked rags in the trash! They could spontaneously combust. Soak them in water and put them outside to dry out.
We have used Granny B old Fashioned paint with enormous success but you can use a normal PVA too. Always apply 2 coats of background colour before you start stencilling. If you plan on clear coating the floor for extra durability, you could use almost any good quality house paint as your basecoat because your durability will come from the clearcoat.
What you really want is good adhesion and quick drying. Oil basecoat paint would be a nightmare. Smell, clean-up :( Forget it!
For stencilling: basically, you can use any water-based paint, latex or acrylics. We have used Granny B Old Fashioned Paint. Do your stencilling as usual, using dense foam roller or stencil brush. You can help drying with a hairdryer or fans if necessary. Or simply let it dry well before top-coating. If you are clear coating the floor later, you can use a flat sheen stencil paint which will dry quickly. The topcoat will add the final sheen and add durability.
When using a Chalk paint always allow to cure for 8 hours before adding your clear topcoat. Select a good topcoat in the sheen you want. Remember that the glossier the topcoat, the more it reflects imperfections. We recommend a satin finish. Granny B’s Armour is ideal for sealing floors. You can get it in either Matt or Gloss. They make great water-based topcoats these days so there is no need to use oil. The smell is very strong and lasting (harmful too) and the oil also yellows over time which can affect your floor colours.
How do I clean my stencil?
For removal of adhesive and stubborn paint, try some kitchen cleaner in a spray bottle. Spray on your stencil and clean as usual. You can also sit brushes that have dried-out paint on them overnight in some kitchen cleaner, and oftentimes you will have saved that brush.
It's important to remember that it's very difficult to completely remove spray adhesive from a stencil, but we find that it is not necessary to get it off completely, the stencil still will be very usable for your next project even if it's a little bit sticky. Some rubbing Alcohol will remove the stickiness. Just make sure to store it on a piece of a wax paper or freezer paper, as a backing.
I Am A Beginner, How Easy Is It To Use Granny B's ?
Is Granny B's a Chalk Paint?
What Surfaces Can I Paint On?
I've Noticed That The Finish Is Porous, Do I Need To Seal My Work?
Can I Mix Colours ?
Which Brushes Are Recommended?