Wall Stencil

[Steve Clarkson]

I was thinking about making a stencil to use to paint one of my walls. The larger companies seem to use 10mil mylar for these, so I am assuming that's what I should use.

Has anyone made these before? Do you put an adhesive on the back so they stick to the wall while painting? Does the paint easily bleed underneath the stencils? Should I be asking these questions in the Better Homes & Gardens or Martha Stewart forums?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Dan Hintz]

Steve,

Normally the stencils are small enough to be held up by hand, and the paint is typically stippled through rather than brushed/sprayed. The paint edges are typically expected to be a bit rough... the stippling gives "character". If the client expects a tight outline, adhesive may be necessary, but it can't be so strong that it tears the drywall.

[Dee Gallo]

They do make an adhesive specifically for stencils. It's a repositionable glue like your yellow stickie notes. It comes in a stick, like a gluestick. There is also a spray for really big stencils. But if you are doing a small repeating design, it's most common to just hold it there like Dan said, stipple and move. Stenciling is pretty fast. Check your local Michael's or similar store for supplies and books.

cheers, dee

[Mike Null]

Besides mylar, I like to use oil board. I have never seen anything that lasers so well.

[Steve Clarkson]

Thanks guys......now if I could just get some volunteers to do the painting after I make the stencils........

[Joe Pelonio]

for small designs there are a variety of laserable thin materials, but for lettering and large graphics there's a vinyl made just for that purpose, such as Arlon Cal-Mask, thin enough to conform to a textured wall yet easily removable. You need a plotter and transfer tape to use it though.

[Adam Orton]

When I do it I take some drywall mud add some Dap to it, about half and half, then sponge on the mixture through the stencil. It gives a slick 3D look, and you can just dry brush it afterwards or spray bomb it.. Just and idea..

[Mike Null]

Adam

That's a neat idea. Any pictures?