Cover and Photo: Chronicle Books
We caught up with Ed to ask him for additional advice about how to embark on our first home decor stenciling project. If his Q&A below isn't enough help to get you started stenciling, you can check out Ed's extremely informative video in which he stencils a wall. Ed makes it look easy!
What's the most important thing to know about stenciling?
Stenciling is a dry brush technique, meaning you need very little paint on your brush. It's easy to think you need more from what we all learn from traditional painting, but seriously, a little goes a long way.
Do you have any tips for someone who has never stenciled before?
I love to test stencil on cardboard. It's cheap, everyone has boxes around. Plus, it looks cool and if you don't like it, you recycle it. This practice helps to see how much paint you need to use, then you can stencil your actual target.
Is there anything you can do to make a stenciling project easier?
To make the project easier, organizing your project is key. I hate to scramble for things once I'm in creative mode. Extra paper towels, extra brushes, etc. should all be within reach.
Do you have any advice for avoiding paint seeping out around the stencil?
To avoid seepage, I have a few tips. First, go lightly with the paint. Build up gradually in layers if you feel you want it darker. You can use spray adhesive on the back of the stencil if you are painting t-shirts. This helps keep the stencil secure to avoid the brush or spray creeping under. Just spray some adhesive lightly on back and let it dry to a tacky touch before placing it on the shirt. For other surfaces, take it slowly, an up and down stippling motion helps a lot too!
Do you have any advice/recommendations for prepping surfaces for stenciling?
Well, walls should be clean of dust. If you are stenciling t-shirts, prewash the shirt and don't overstretch it when you fit it to a cardboard box to paint it or you will distort the design.
What tools do you use when you stencil? And do you have any specific recommendations about stenciling tools?
I mostly use a stiff flat head stencil brush, blue painters tape.
Is there anything about your own stenciling technique that might surprise a novice stenciler?
Well, I guess a lot of people think I prefer spray paint but these days I love brush or roller!
Any big no-no's when it comes to stenciling?
Again, a glob of paint on the brush is the enemy!
Ed's final words of wisdom were some of our favorite, he says,"Have fun with it!" We'll try!
