Stencils

I've had some questions about what I use for stencils so here's what I use and how. Stencils are pretty simple but figured it might help to show how easy it really is.

How to:

Materials:

• Transparency Paper
• Image to use as a Stencil (I've downloaded some off the net and have drawn a few)
• Xacto Knife
• 3M Painter's tape
• Airbrush or Aerosol paint (you can even you a large round brush and apply light dabbed strokes, you'll have to do it thin and apply multiple to keep it looking smooth)

Steps:

1) Draw or print out the design you want to use as a stencil. Remember that you are going to be relying on the negative space of the image.

2) Tape the transparency paper to the printed image and both to the cutting board so they don't move.

3) Cut out a square around the image (it doesn't have to be a square just leave enough extra so you can tape it to what you want to apply the design to) Again, remember you are going to be using the negative space of the image so you will just cut the image out of the trans.

4) Tape the stencil to the area you want it applied to. In this case it's the top of a Rhino. Be sure not to cover the open areas and try to make it as flat as possible so you don't get any bleed over. The flatter and tighter to the surface the cleaner the lines.
5) Spray the stencil - you can use an airbrush or an aerosol spray. Like I was saying above you can also use a large round brush and apply light dabbed layers to keep it smooth.

6) Let the paint dry for a few mins then carefully remove the tape. You're done.

Hope it helps someone out there!