Q&A for How to Make Spray Paint Stencils

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Can I use regular paper for a one-time use stencil on my bedroom wall which will be on top of wallpaper? If not, what would be the best thing to use?

Community Answer

Paper works great as a one-time use stencil, but if you need more uses, card stock is the way to go.

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Question

How do I lift it off without the stencil smudging or the material I used ripping or sticking?

Community Answer

Spray very lightly and wait until it is completely dry. Repeat 2-3 times, then slowly peel off once it is completely dry. Be patient.

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Question

What is the best type of paper to use?

Community Answer

In my experience, 300 GSM art paper is the best. If you have trouble finding it, you can use 250+ GSM art paper for the stencils.

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Question

Is there a spray paint that will preserve my spray paint stencil tree on a canvas?

Ian Osborne

Community Answer

Yes. Krylon makes a nice one. The can will say "matte," "gloss," or "semi gloss" and have a clear lid. I've used it to preserve autographs on paper and canvas.

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Question

How do you achieve a smooth edge when cutting on acetate stencil sheet?

Community Answer

First, make sure your acetate sheet is thin enough. Any thicker than a .003 thickness will be hard to cut. A regular X-acto knife should easily cut it, just make sure you're applying enough pressure and holding it on a flat, hard surface.

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Question

Would construction paper work well with reusable stencils?

Ian Osborne

Community Answer

No. It will absorb the paint just like regular printer paper. It's a one time use.

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Question

How do I spray paint a round, plastic flower pot?

Community Answer

Put the pot on a lazy Susan and spin and spray. Lazy Susan turntables are available at bath and kitchen stores.

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Question

How do I prepare the surface for a stencil?

Community Answer

It depends on the surface. You could use sandpaper for wood and wet wipes for plastic.

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Question

What can I use that will work multiple times, but isn't plastic?

Community Answer

I find thick cardstock can be reusable. Although not indefinitely, you'll be able to use it more than print paper.

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Question

What type of paper do I cut the image out of? If regular, won't the paint get through?

Community Answer

The type of paper you cut the image out of doesn't matter because the image is to help you cut out your stencil. You don't paint that image.

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Question

What is best paint for stencils for a wall in a bedroom?

Community Answer

Montana, Ironlak, Molotow, and Krilon are good spray paints often used by street artists who use stencils.

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Question

How do I safely clean the paint off a plastic stencil without hurting the stencil?

Harshal Hatkar

Community Answer

Apply a small amount of WD-40 and wipe off the excess. After spray painting, clean it off with a diluted alcohol.

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Question

If I laminate my stencil, will it last much longer than card?

Community Answer

Yes, it will, because plastic doesn't absorb the paint like paper does. Watch out, though, because the paint may not dry on the plastic, in which case you'll have to wipe it off carefully after use so you don't get paint everywhere.

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Question

Can I use fabric paint to do this?

Community Answer

Yes, fabric paint should work just fine.

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Question

Can I use this method to add words on a phone case?

Community Answer

You can, but a professionally manufactured stencil is probably best for that.

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Question

What is the best way to index multiple colored stencils? Is the order important?

Community Answer

I would suggest you organize them from lightest to darkest.

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Question

When removing a stencil after the paint is applied, how do I peel it off when it is surrounded by wet paint?

Community Answer

Wait for the paint to dry. With most spray paints it should only take around 10-30 minutes.

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Question

How do I do it on my T-shirt?

Emily Spinks

Community Answer

Using a sponge with fabric paint over the design should work well. But if you have access to a computer and printer, you can do it by using some cheap t-shirt transfer paper. Then you can print your design and iron it on. It would give the cleanest results.

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Question

What kind of writing tool can I use to write a name on a spray-painted board?

Warren

Top Answerer

A standard permanent marker or a paint pen would be fine.

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Question

To minimize blurring around the edges of a text stencil on fabric, can one use a full-page sticker for the stencil? Seems the edges would stick to the fabric, thus making a cleaner, sharper image.

Warren

Top Answerer

Yes. Just make sure it peels in one piece and that the adhesive isn't too strong.

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