Stenciling: Walls and Everything Else
By Rochelle Caviness
What is Stenciling?
Stenciling is a craft that involves using a stencil (template) in order to duplicate the same design. The stencil can be made out a variety of materials. However, stencils made from paper, or vinyl, are most commonly used for home decorating projects.
The stencil is made by having a design drawn on the paper, and then cutting out those areas of the design in which you want to transfer color to your target surface. For example, if you were making a stencil of your name in order to stencil a number of boxes. You would draw out your name in block letters, and then cut out the interior sections of the letters.
To use the stencil, place it on the fabric or material that is to be stenciled, such as the box. Using a brush or sponge, rub ink or paint into the open areas of the stencil. When all the letters or areas are filled in, remove the stencil and admire your work. The stencil can then be reused to copy the same design onto another object.
One of the hallmarks of stenciling is the ability to reuse the same stencil. This is especially important when doing borders or other repeated designs, as it allows you to duplicate the same design at a minimum cost.
What can be Stenciled?
Basically anything that you can get to stand still long enough can be stenciled, this includes glass, paper, cement, plaster, fabric, metal, slate, and wood.
Common uses of stenciling include making a decorative trim boarder around the top of a room or decorating furniture, such as the back of chairs and the center panels on cupboards.
Stenciling, however, has a variety of uses.
It can be used to make a decorative design on floors, including fake rugs.
Make a stenciled frame around a window or picture in order to highlight the feature.
Furniture, cans, boxes, and ceramics can be stenciled to give them added appeal.
You can stencil designs on your curtains in order to change the entire feel of a room.
You can also stencil pillows and upholstery fabric.
Stenciled designs can be as tiny as a little mouse stenciled on a baseboard, or as large as a complicated mural painted over an entire wall.
When choosing items to be stenciled, you are only limited by your imagination. Don't overlook surfaces such as a toilet seat lid, or the panes of glass in a window – all can be stenciled.
Why is Stenciling so Popular?
Stenciling has been around for a long time, perhaps centuries. It was just as popular in western antiquity as it was in Ancient China and Japan. Since ancient times, stenciling has been used to mark shipping containers and to decorate homes. Pacific islanders have long used stenciling to decorate fabric.
In colonial America, stenciling was employed as a common form of wall decoration. As well, many people made use of stenciled rugs and tile. In fact, in early American society there was a class of itinerant artisans that made their living as traveling stencil artist. Each artist would have a circuit of clients whom they would visit every couple of years in order to touch up previous works, or to totally rework a design.
In modern times, stenciling has gained a wide acceptance due to its versatility and shear beauty. It is a relatively inexpensive means of adding color, texture, and detail to any surface – and it is well suited for the do-it-yourselfer.
When doing it yourself, you have the option of making your own stencils or buying ready-made stencils. You can also have stencils custom made.
Traditionally, stenciling was seen as a craft that was associated with the 'country style'. However, sophisticated modern designs and paints allow stenciling to be used within any decor or style.
In addition to using a brush or sponge to apply your coloring, you can also buy stenciling crayons. They come in a variety of colors – including plaid!
When using paints, water-based latex paints are best. They dry quicker than oil based paints and spills can be cleaned up with soap and water. This can be a lifesaver when you make a mistake while stenciling. When using a latex paint, you can simply wipe your mistake away with a damp cloth. Oil based paints require the use of a solvent for cleanup.
Stenciling supplies are readily available at arts and crafts stores, most home centers, department stores, and via a plethora of online stenciling design and supply websites.
