Based on extensive testing with the stenciling material, we have compiled a list of tips and recommendations to assist you while creating the look you desire.

APPLICATION TOOLS

 A variety of application tools can be used such as paint rollers, brushes and sponges. Below are some examples of the types of paint applicators you can use and pictures of the resulting finish.

FOAM PAINT ROLLER

In order to achieve the cleanest edge possible, we recommend using a smooth / semi-smooth 4" foam paint roller. Before applying the paint, remove any excess paint from the roller and use light pressure when applying the paint. For the best results on the stencils with intricate details such as space shuttle design or very thin stencils such as the whimsical butterflies, we recommend the foam paint roller.

STANDARD PAINT ROLLER or SPONGE BRUSH

Use a standard 1/4-3/8" nap paint roller or sponge brush to achieve an organic or rougher edge. Again, be sure to remove any excess paint from the roller or brush before applying the paint.  These paint applicators work the best for designs where you are trying to create a more abstract look and feel such as the clouds shown below.

HOUSEHOLD SPONGE

When you would like the base color of your wall to show through the stencil slightly, use a painters sponge or an unused houshold sponge. You may need to cut the sponge as a full size sponge may be too large to manage smaller details of the stencil. After dabbing the sponge in the paint, blot excess paint on newspaper or some other type of scrap paper. To apply the paint to the stencil, you do not want to smear the paint like you would using a paint brush. Instead, use a straight, dabbing motion.

STENCIL LAYOUT

Creating Your Unique Design

• Each stencil will have a white square border.
• Use a scissors to cut out each stencil along the white square border.
• When you are laying out the design of the stencils on your wall and wish to have the stencils close together (such as the gears shown to the left), you can trim the square edge of the stencil in order for the stencils not to overlap.
• However, you will need to leave at a minimum 1/2 inch for a paint shield. The paint shield is especially important if you want to paint multiple colors as in the picture of the gears.  

Rearranging the Stencils

• The stencils can be moved and rearranged as many times as you like before you remove the application paper.
• To move a stencil, slowly and carefully peel back the stencil from the wall.
• If the stencil separates from the application paper, smooth the application paper back over the separated piece.
• Press on the stencil firmly.
• Slowly try to peel back the stencil again.
• If the stencil remains separated from the application paper, use your fingernail to carefully separate the stencil from the wall and restick the stencil to the application paper.
• Keep in mind that once the application paper is remove, the stencil can no longer be moved. 

 Stencil Overlays

• If you wish to overlay the stencils like we did with the polka dots and flowers shown to the right, stick the base stencil to the wall and paint. 
• Let the paint dry per the paint manufacturer's specifications, which is typically 24 hours.
• Then, stick the second stencil over the painted first stencil. 
• Paint the second stencil a different color.

Clean Edges

• To ensure that you will produce a clean painted edge, press and smooth the cut-out edges of the stencil with your hand. 
• Make sure that there are no gaps or wrinkles along the edges.

PAINT APPLICATION

Use paint sparingly. Excessive paint on your application brush, sponge or roller can lead to smudges or uneven lines when you remove the stencil as noted in the example to the left.

Use light pressure when painting the stencil as this will help ensure that the lines of the stencil stay smooth and smudge-free.