Facts about Stenciling

How to Stencil

• What are modular system stencils?

• What surfaces can stencils be used on?

• Why would I use a stencil?

• What are stencils made of?

• How do I clean my stencils?

• Stenciling with Stewart Gill Products

• How to use stenciling as an embellishment

• How to make hand-made stencils

• Stenciling with foils & glue

What are modular system stencils?

Modular system stencils have a series of cutout 'registration marks' which help you to position the stencil in the right place, over and over again. This means you can achieve perfectly aligned all-over patterens on almost any surface, easily. You have total creative freedom to use the stencils as single stand-alone motifs, or borders, or continuous lengths, or even as partial texture mask-off areas.

What surfaces can stencils be used on?

Stencils can be used on any type of surface, depending upon the media (paint, dye) you are using. Paper and fabric are the most common uses. However, you can use stencils for walls, furniture, or even glass surfaces. While most applications will be flat surfaces, most stencils are bendable so they can fit around curved surfaces also. So experiment and be creative!

Why would I use a stencil?

Stencils are normally used to apply a design to a plain surface. By using a stencil, you can achieve perfectly aligned all-over patterens on almost any surface, easily. Sometimes you want to raise the surface, so applying a layer of paint gives a more textured, dementional surface.

What are stencils made of?

Stewart Gill Modular Stencils are made from laser-cut Mylar plastic which allows for intricate detailed images. The plastic is longlasting for repeated usage. Because it is flexible plastic, the stencils can make a bendable fit around curved surfaces.

How do I clean my stencils?

Stewart Gill recommends placing the used stencil in a flat tray and soak in warm water to remove paint.

For fast and easy cleaning, you can use Staz-On All-Purpose Cleaner. This allows you to quickly clean the stencil so you can reuse it on your project over and over again, without fear of smearing or bleeding colors.

Applying the paint

• Spray a light coating of temporary adhesive onto the reverse of the stencil.
• Press the stencil glue-side down onto the fabric and pat gently into place.
• Use the kitchen spatula to 'press' or 'wipe' the paint through the stencil
• the spatula should be held at a low, shallow angle to simulate a screenprinting

Remove excess paint

• By raising the spatula to a more upright angle, you can scrape off the excess paint and return to the jar.
• If the spatula is too straight-up, or the pressure is too hard, then you will scrape off all the paint.
• Adjust the angle and pressure to suit the look you are after.

Remove the stencil

• Carefully peel off the stencil as soon as you have finished applying paint.
• Place in a flat tray and soak in warm water to remove paint.

Correct any mistakes

• If you have any seepage, bleeding, or smudged mistakes - don't panic!
• Keep a knife, or tweezers handy and remove the paint immediately by scraping off with the sharp implement.
• Be careful not to damage the fabric surface.
• Allow paint to dry naturally for several hours (preferably overnight) before heatfixing and washing.

Finished result

Te piece of fabric, at the left, was created using a Steward Gill Modular System Stencil and Steward Gill Paints. Two colors of paints were applied with an even coat of blended shades. The thickness of the paint adds demension to the fabric, as paint sits on top the fabric.

Stencils

Mixed Media

Books, Patterns, DVDs & More Index
instruction on using acrylic gel, mediums, pastes, inks, dyes, paints, foil, stamping, stenciling, mixing with hand/machine embroidery & beading, stamping, doodling & more.

Modular System
6" Square Repeat Design Stencils

Unique & very original Stencils that can be used with quilting, thread painting, glitter, foils, inks, paints, batik & more

Fabric Inks

Foils & Glue

Bella Nonna Foils & Glue

Fabric Paints, Paintstiks & Pigments

Jones Tones Foils and Adhesives

Jones Tones Glues for Foil, Glitter, Fabric & More

Write 'n' Rub Foiling Pen
for foiling & glitter
by Tonertex

MicroCut Glitter & Glue

Fabric & Illustration Pens

Micas added to Pigment & Paints for that extra glitz

Tools & Accessories for Paint, Stencil & Craft Projects

Stamps, Stamp Pads & Cleaners

DVD, CD, Videos for Embellishment & Surface Design

Fabric Dyes

Art Quilts & Mixed Media Books & Magazines