How to Use Stencils for Beginners | Tips to Stop Bleeding Under Your Stencils

Do you have a tough time stenciling without bleeding under? Check out this tutorial for tips to save your projects. 👇 Show more for more info!
✔️Subscribe to see more videos about other DIY ideas and crafting projects! Stencils make wood signs and clocks easy to craft. Great for home decor and gifts, as well as great sellers for craft shows. Use the Dome stencil brushes and learn the loading technique will prevent bleeding under stencil edges. Once you've caught onto this painting technique your stenciled projects will be a snap!
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Here's your supply list to complete this project:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stay Humble and Kind Stencil: studior12.com/products/always...
Essential Round Wood Surface: studior12.com/collections/usi...
Dome Stencil Brush: studior12.com/collections/you...
Palette Paper: studior12.com/collections/you...
Stretchy Tape: studior12.com/collections/you...
🎨Paints: Use a good quality craft acrylic paint, if your paint is runny or seems thin, it won't perform as well as paints that have body and are not thin.
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⏰Times:
0:00​​​ - Intro
0:17 - Basics about StudioR12 Stencils
1:18 - How to tape down your stencil
2:00 - What type of paint to use for stenciling
2:34 - How to decide what paint colors to use
3:00 - What kind of brush to use while stenciling
3:56 - How to prevent bleeding under while stenciling
4:34 - Swirling vs. Stippling while stenciling
#StudioR12Stencils​​​ #StencilWithoutBleeding​​​ #Stencil

[@christilevine4310]

This video is just what I needed!!! Was ready to cry with not knowing how to stop bleeding. Thank you so much for this knowledge!!!

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Christie, we are so glad you found us! Bleeding is the worst!! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us here or on Facebook if you have any questions!

[@zszackman]

2:46

[@dawnkane4365]

I googled how to stop bleed, and your video was the first on to appear. I watched it and immediately went in my garage to try your techniques....OMG! My designs came out perfectly for once!! Thank you. I will be following all your videos!!

[@StudioR12Stencils]

YAY! So glad you found us!!

[@grittykitty50]

This is a very informative video. You have mentioned some issues that I wondered about and have not seen anyone else address here on KZbin.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you so much! We are so happy you found us!

[@darussianping61]

Brilliant advice

[@patti.j]

Great video. I didn’t know there was a technique to stenciling. Thank you 🙏🏽 I now know how to proceed.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Yay Patti! So glad you found us!! Happy stenciling!

[@vernaaustin9032]

My sentiment exactly!! This was very informative!!!!

[@upsidedowngrief]

Very helpful video. Straight to the point .

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you - glad that you liked the video!!!

[@conniechristiansen8734]

Thank you!....First time stencilling ( and retired postsecondary instructor) excellent tutorial 👍

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you, Connie!!! Have fun painting!!!

[@janmarie2184]

Project success, at last! Thank you for the video!

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Yay!! Glad to hear it!! ✨

[@grettalemabouchou6779]

As an artist, I would recommend studying a colour wheel for your art. You can purchase one quite inexpensively. Cheers.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you Gretta! We agree! We have a color mixing mat with a wheel on it that we love!

[@Mr.MKBone]

Many thanks This is what I was looking for ❤

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@wilderc501]

Omg I so needed this

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hey there!! Welcome! So happy to hear this was helpful! Let us know what questions you have!!

[@shigemiminetaka2286]

This is a super helpful video! Thank you. I am the first timer for stencil.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We're so glad that you found us and liked the video!! Thank you for watching!!

[@BrentB-ExperimentalArtist]

Thank you for that instructive video. As a nooby artist I'm combining wood dye and acrylic paints using stencils. I will start today using the offload and swirl technique!😊

[@StudioR12Stencils]

So glad you found us!

[@vernaaustin9032]

AWESOME AWESOME DETAILED VIDEO BY A BEGINNER LIKE ME I THANK YOU EVER SOOO MUCH!!!! 👍💓

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you Verna! So glad you found us!

[@shirleyandersen4724]

this video was a great help. thanks

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for letting us know! Happy painting!

[@pattybrooks1561]

Thanks for the info.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Of course!!! 😀

[@crystalsparrowyoung5056]

Thanks, great tips! I'm a newbie.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi! Welcome! So glad you found us :)

[@FatimahLaVonBrathwaite2903]

I really appreciate you sharing this useful tip. I tried it out and it works perfectly. I did not have to go back and try to carefully paint over the outlined mistakes….thank you so so much. 🎉❤😊

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Yay! We are so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing!!

[@FatimahLaVonBrathwaite2903]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@ironmonkey1990]

Super helpful

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you! Glad you found us!

[@bridgetwatson-holme699]

I'm so trying this! I continue to have stencil fail after fail with bleed. Thank you!!

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you for watching, Bridget!! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!

[@connielindsey7041]

To thicken paint, try a little cornstarch until you get the consistency you want.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thanks for the tip, Connie!

[@seritadaniels3171]

Love it...thanks for make it basic because I was using too much paint...so I started using permanent black markers...but when I want white stencil...I use a white chalk pen...but the items can not go outside for display 😊

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You are very welcome!! That's exactly why we make these videos! Happy painting and don't hesitate to let us know what questions you have along the way.

[@lavernedavis5673]

I love your show

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you Laverne!

[@matildaswathi3594]

Oh tqsm... I would've ruined my project without these tips...awesome 👌👌

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You're very welcome :) So glad you found us!!

[@daphnerodriguez9980]

THANKS YOU GOODNESS 🌟 DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you :)

[@donnah5378]

Nice 👍🏾

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thanks! Glad you found us!

[@paulaallen2506]

I used a repositioning adhesive and after removing stencil the adhesive remains on my wood painted project. Any ideas as to how It can remove the adhesive? It’s a mess!! Thank you and Have am so glad I have found you. 🌸

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi Paula! Patty recommends rubbing it with your finger first. If not, you can sand gently and base over it if need be. For future, she recommends testing on a practice board before working on your project. She also recommends making sure adhesive is completely dry on the stencil before using it on your project. And don't use heat on projects with adhesive on them (if you have adhesive on the back of your stencil, don't blow dry it, let it air dry). Hope those help!

[@donyelledespanie4317]

Thank you so much for this!!! I tried my first stencil painting last weekend. My daughter loved it but it definitely bled 😫. Trying this method this weekend

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You’ve got this!! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! Happy painting!

[@johnhipp604]

​@@StudioR12Stencilskari

[@oldnavy6156]

A year later still amazing to watch.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thanks so much!

[@marthabader77]

Thank you for this video! I just cut out my first stencil from a picture I printed off the internet using basic printer paper. I am planning to stencil my mailbox. I was worried about the bleeding and this will definitely help. Any other recommendations, given my sub-par stencil medium? I was thinking about using a stencil adhesive...

[@StudioR12Stencils]

The paper will soften with a paint, unless you are using a spray paint. You may run into an issue with that. You could use a cardstock, rather than basic paper, or seal it with Krylon 1311. You could try using spray paint, but will want to test on cardboard first.

[@Little_Rose709]

Thanks for these videos i have a brain injury and i just got into painting. Making straight lines is hard for me. Thankyou for this video

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thank you for watching, we appreciate it!! If you ever need help with anything at all please feel free to contact us directly here: [e-mail]

[@debbie6036]

So the thin stencil is much better to use? The only place I can find stencil stuff is Walmart where I live. Walmart does not for some reason have near as much as they use to. I can remember a time when they had so much to choose from.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We use a midgrade stencil - we recommend 7.5 mil. We have the same problem with where we live. There aren't any craft stores in town. Check out StudioR12.com. We have everything you'll need, except the paint.

[@jasonmalone48]

What is a suggested acrylic paint for beginners that I can purchase from Amazon. Good video

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We really like DecoArt paint!

[@siobhanboyle8105]

Thanks for this helpful video! Is there a special kind of paper that I should use with the acrylic paint and my stencils?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi!! Thank you for watching! If you are going to paint on paper, we recommend a thick paper like cardstock. We do have a few videos on painting cards and some things you'll want to watch out for!

[@siobhanboyle8105]

@@StudioR12Stencils ok awesome! Thanks for the info.!

[@jacquelinemoore7839]

Ok so its acrylic paint you use. Cool and know i have to buy an oval shaped brush.

[@FIqbal22]

How to stencil on canvas? Is there any gloss or spray to apply before applying acrylic paint on stencil?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Here is a video on painting on canvas! kzbin.infoNAEuf888JvU

[@kathleenroyles1347]

Great video where can I buy stencils I am looking for a dragonfly and a unicorn stencil

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We have more than 6000 stencil titles on StudioR12.com. We do have a couple of designs with dragonfly: studior12.com/search?type=product&q=dragonfly As well as unicorn: studior12.com/search?type=product&q=unicorn

[@joerobijr]

So if I got your stencils....what do you do to get like a 12 inch capital letter for transferring to a large wall

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We have more than 300 lettering/alphabet stencils in our collection. Some of the designs come in multiple sizes. When you find a letter design that you like, you can look in the description to see what the actual design size is. Here's the collection: studior12.com/collections/alphabet-stencil-sale If you find one that doesn't have the design size, you can email our customer service and they'll be able to get it for you. Here's the email: [e-mail]

[@inspiredKREASHUNS]

So none of that modpodge business? Lol. Many thanks!

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We do not use that technique, but we know a lot of stencilers do. We prefer to do the offload method with our brush and paint and using the dome brush and that has worked wonderfully for us!

[@gloriagiefer3013]

What is the easiest way to stencil someone's name on fabric should I leave the letters uncut or should I cut them separately

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi Gloria! Great question! I'm going to share 2 videos with you! The first is using letters. Patty uses alphabet stencils in this video. We don't recommend cutting them. You can just line them up as you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYG5cqSioc2AjKs

[@StudioR12Stencils]

And here is a great video for stenciling on fabric. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHicf4dth7V-bKM

[@vern0018]

Hi do you have calligraphy stencils that you sell? I'm looking for sizes I can use in birthday cards. Thank you.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We have several full alphabet stencils. You can check out the collection here and see if any work for what you are looking for: studior12.com/collections/full-alphabet-collection

[@charlesfavano7424]

wondering if i can use clear gesso as a temporary stencil. i use temporay stencils if i airbrush over the stencil or underit will it stop paint bleed on canvas??? please advise

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We have asked around the office and no one here has any experience with this using Clear Gesso or airbrushing. If you try it, please let us know. We are intrigued!

[@charlesfavano7424]

@@StudioR12Stencils tested last night over top of stencil spraying clear gesso let it dry than air brushed it in no bleed!!! so rhis hack works so made whie, black gesso airbrush gesso might add mici to the white to make backround color at the same time. in theroy that should work as well. thank you for the advice

[@StudioR12Stencils]

@@charlesfavano7424 Yay!! So glad it worked! Thank you for letting us know!

[@melodystevechandra2529]

If you were to paint a color say red or green on a black background do you just have to do many coats? Or is there a way to prepare your stencil?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Great question! We have a whole playlist on painting with red. You can see it here Tips for Wood Projects Using Red Paint kzbin.info/aero/PLbR_Y90aI9dBlIYUa970vCJwH72lGamZF Before we stencil with red, we stencil with a light gray. This allows the color to pop off the dark background. Using white can make the red look pink. This will work for any light color on a dark background, including green.

[@melodystevechandra2529]

@@StudioR12Stencils thank you so much.

[@EpicLiveBeats]

I am a total newbie. I followed this video but still got some minor bleeding under. Any advice on what else I can do or what I might have done wrong?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi! Welcome! Do a few more offload swirls on your paper towel. Test the brush on your hand before going to your project and make sure the paint doesn't look wet or goopy on your hand. When you start swirling on your project, just apply a light pressure. The first layer will look like you hardly have any paint on your project. Your paint will build up as you add your layers. Let us know if this works! :)

[@ngooshy11]

what about the line breaks in the letters? how do you get rid of those?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We do not normally fill in the bridging with our stencils, but you certainly can. Here’s a video showing how you can fill in the bridging: How to Fill in Bridging While Stenciling & Use Round Brushes | Facebook LIVE Q&A 10/19/21 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5fNmH5sqp2Wmbc

[@annaprigliano221]

What do you need to do to prep the wood before you start to paint?.

[@StudioR12Stencils]

That will really depend on the type of surface you use. We typically use MDF, which we do not prep. If you are painting on pine, here is a video for how to prep that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJXUpYWmfKaAoMk Here's a video on how to prep to paint on plastic: kzbin.infoYXU9EvVDlhM

[@annaprigliano221]

@@StudioR12Stencils Thank you.

[@missywelch6215]

Is there a certain paint fir wood and fabric?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We use the same for both! We use an acrylic indoor/outdoor house paint from Sherwin Williams.

[@debbiebuckner462]

What do you use to seal your paint?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We prefer a polyurethane matte varnish. studior12.com/collections/wine-cask-lazy-susan/products/duraclear-matte-varnish?_pos=1&_sid=11fedde77&_ss=r

[@mariannatheron7363]

What to keep in mind when stenciling on the wall?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Depending on what you are painting, we would make sure to have a plan before you start. Do a dry layout to see how it will fit. Either start at the top and work down or start in the middle and work your way out to the sides. Regular matte paint works. Gloss varnish through a stencil looks phenomenal on dark colors.

[@calebjason2531]

Should I take the stencil off when blow-drying?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi Caleb! You won't want to remove the stencil if the paint is still wet because you can smear it. So if the paint is wet, let it dry, or blow dry it. - So yes, you can definitely blow dry with the stencil on.

[@taksar5824]

I was wondering how you would stencil over a textured gesso base canvas? Because of the texture and bumps would it bleed under the stencil?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You can definitely stencil over textured backgrounds. It does take some extra care. Here’s a video on a super chunky background: How to Paint Textured Backgrounds with SAWDUST! | Antique & Varnish Textured Backgrounds kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZSsknSurt5qe80

[@StudioR12Stencils]

And here’s a video on stenciling on a canvas Dollar Tree Canvas Hack | You Won't Believe the TRANSFORMATION | Paint Quilt Squares with Stencils kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6HHpHmfrquFgqc

[@taksar5824]

@@StudioR12Stencils Thanks so much for the reply and the videos. 😊 x

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You are welcome!!!

[@donnierodriguez4442]

What paint do you all at StudioR12 use?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi Donnie! We have a paint color guide and matching video explaining what paint we use and how to match our colors. Paint Color Guide: bit.ly/3BLvmUd Paint Color Matching Video: bit.ly/3dmKSMT Personally, we use a lot of paint. A lot. So we like to buy in bulk, especially for background painting. We love Sherwin Williams colors for this. We also love DecoArt paints for the pure pigment with zero fillers. These paints are perfect for stenciling. - And are also included in the paint color guide!

[@UniqueAccessoriesandMoreLLC]

Can I use a heat gun to dry

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We know that people do use heat guns, however, we prefer to use a hair dryer on a low setting with constant movement, rather than a heat gun. You can blow dry the background before you stencil, and even with the stencil on between layers of painting. The heat from the gun can get really hot and cause the paint to melt if it's left in one place too long.

[@sharonsmithers5003]

Did u stray your stencils with adhesive or not at all

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Thanks for watching, Sharon!! You can use an adhesive, one of our craft tape runners (sticky gel), or painter's tape to keep stencils in place!

[@tanielacagilevu9440]

Can you just use a roller?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You can. And we do sometimes. It will really depend on the size of your project and stencil design, as well as how many colors you are using. Here is a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6nFnmSrmbyFsNE

[@jeannieross6426]

Where to buy Dome stencil brushes

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi Jeannie! I will include the links for you below! Our purple-handled dome brushes are found here: bit.ly/3BNk3ez Our green-handled dome brushes are found here: bit.ly/3zCsGpy

[@dianamengel8011]

Do you stencil on slate?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You can paint on slate! We don't have a lot of experience with it so I did a little research. It looks like using regular stenciling paints (ie acrylic water-based paint) and sealers work well.

[@miekegoossens583]

Is using chalk paint discouraged? Why acrylics?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

You can definitely use chalk paint. We like to use matte acrylic paint. We like the look the of the matte and we like the consistency of the acrylic to help with not bleeding under.

[@kailynamyot9126]

What type of material are your stencils made of ?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We use 7.5 mil mylar

[@michaelsrowland]

What is the stencil made of?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We use 7.5 mil mylar - It is washable and reusable

[@michaelsrowland]

@@StudioR12Stencils what is mylar?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

@@michaelsrowland Mylar is a type of flexible but sturdy plastic that we use for making our stencils.

[@tshelstad4827]

Help 7pm

[@tshelstad4827]

I'm using a blackboard and I waxed it so the stencil won't tear all is good but now the board looks smeared 7p sunday

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Did you wax before or after stenciling?

[@jerryshuler298]

Can you order stencil from your company

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Yes! We have more than 6000 stencil designs at StudioR12.com!

[@SpecialCrackVideo]

Me- Oh stenciling is as easy as taking any of flat brush and painting over the lines! My now ruined coaster- Lolz!

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Oh no!! That's why we are here! Stenciling is super easy - if you follow some simple steps! Let us know how your next project goes ;)

[@chrissamu7123]

Q

[@marcocasarin9105]

How to stencil on clothes?

[@StudioR12Stencils]

We have a playlist with several videos show how to paint on fabric! You'll find lots of tips there: kzbin.info/aero/PLbR_Y90aI9dD_xqeg1zHIieMr4lUF4_PI

[@MyrtleBeachWebAngel]

Thank you. I have had much better results after watching the video. I was referred by Google's voice search. #NewSubscriber 🎉🎉🎉

[@StudioR12Stencils]

Hi! Welcome! So glad you found us!

[@MyrtleBeachWebAngel]

@@StudioR12Stencils Me too. It looks so nice and neat 💫❤️ 🎨 🖌️🖌️🖌️ It's all in that off loading you taught, then tap, tap, tap. I can't believe there was no paint under the stencil and the edges looked so nice. Yay! (By the way, I used a shoe polish sponge to apply the pant and it worked well on the cinder block surface .)