Acrylic: Painting with a stencil

Acrylic Professional Tips

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Stencils aren't just for kids and interior designers! The technique also can produce results in acrylics that are both fun and surprising.

What you need to know

Stenciling, a masking technique, allows you to apply color in multiple shapes: geometric patterns, stylized flowers, friezes, etc.
Do you like to paint abstracts? This is a very practical medium for highlighting the interplay of colors and textures.

Materials

Thin cardboard or a ready-to-use stencil and a stencil brush.

Take some thin cardboard or wax paper.
Draw the pattern you want to create on it. If you are just getting started, focus on basic shapes.
Cut the cardboard along the line you drew with a utility knife to create your stencil. Make sure the edges are very sharp.

And you're ready to go!

You can make your life easier with ready-to-use stencils. There are all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Apply the stencil to your medium and fasten it with tape.
Use a stencil brush to paint color inside the pattern. Make sure the paint covers all the exposed surface, especially the edges.
Allow the paint to dry.
Remove the stencil

Vary your effects by applying the paint with a rag or a sponge!