Surface Issues
With proper preparation and the correct type of paint, almost any surface can be painted. Paint manufacturers are coming out with new formulas all the time, making it easier to carry a decor theme through on almost any item you wish. Here are a few of the different surfaces (other than walls!) you might paint on.
Glass and ceramics. Use paint meant for glass and tile. It comes in transparent colors for a stained-glass look as well as opaque shades. When stenciling glass dishware, paint the bottom of the plate or the outside of glasses rather than the surfaces food will come in contact with. Follow manufacturers' directions for setting the paint.
Fabric. Paints designed specifically for fabric will stay soft and wear better than regular paints. To stencil on fabric, use spray adhesive to adhere the stencil, and tape the fabric down well to your work surface. Put a piece of cardboard or waxed paper under the fabric or between the layers of a shirt to prevent the paint from soaking through. Build up color slowly, as the paint can wick under the stencil if you use too much. Follow manufacturers' directions for heat-setting the paint and washing the fabric.
Paper. Consider using inks or pigment dyes instead of paint to apply a stencil on paper. These are drier and won't soak into the paper as much. If you must use paint, try painting a base-coat first to stabilize the surface. Then stencil as usual.
Metal. There is a line of paint designed for use on metal without priming, but if you need a color not available in this metal paint, remember to prime the surface first. Otherwise, the paint won't stick.
Wax. To stencil on candles or soap, start with a special conditioner, then use paint developed specifically for this surface and follow manufacturers' directions.
Palette
When stenciling with oil-base paints, you'll work out of the crème pots they come in. But when working with acrylics, you'll need to place the colors on a palette. Palette paper is sold in craft and art stores for this purpose, but paper or foam plates work just as well. You can also try a piece of mat-board or cardboard or even an ice cube tray. Just make sure that whatever you use is big enough to keep the colors separated.
Other tools
Depending on the project, there are a few other items that prove indispensable when stenciling. It would be wise to keep all of them on hand.
- Art gum eraser. This is useful when working with stencil paint crèmes. Because these paints dry slowly, minor smudges and mistakes are easily wiped away with a white art gum eraser.
- Artist's brushes. Use these small, thin brushes to add details like shadows or leaf veins.
- Index cards. These make handy masking tools for small spaces.
- Level. This common tool helps keep a border straight.
- Paper towels. Use them to wipe excess paint off brushes, to protect surfaces, and for general cleanup. It's a good idea to always keep a roll nearby while you're working.
- Pencil. Use a pencil for marking level lines and registration marks.
- Tape measure. Keep one on hand, or a ruler if you prefer, to determine the amount of space available for the stencil when planning projects.
Before you start your stencil project, you'll need to complete a very important step -- picking out the design you'll paint. Keep reading to learn about choosing a stencil design.
