Americana Stencils from DecoArt offer a wide variety of high-quality designs in a variety of sizes suitable for home décor, crafting, mixed media, art journaling, scrapbooking, and more. Styles range from the traditional fleur-de-lis to offerings that are more industrial for mixed media art. All stencils are durable and flexible making them ideal for use with texture products as well as paints. Each design is cleanly laser cut to ensure crisp lines, and the font stencils have baseline guide markings for easy alignment.
Registration markings are provided on lettered and repeating pattern stencils to assist with accuracy during alignment.
HOW TO USE AMERICANA STENCILS
SECURING STENCIL
Adhere stencil to surface with stencil adhesive spray or a light tack tape such as painter’s tape or masking tape.
ALIGNING LETTERS
To ensure a stenciled word will be straight, use a ruler and pencil or chalk pencil to lightly draw a line. Follow stencil guide lines to align letters or numbers you are stenciling. Position stencil, tape to secure and proceed to stencil letters. For curved lines, use a round or oval object as a template. Lightly trace around object and then follow the previous instructions above to align the letters. Once paint is dry, erase marks before sealing with varnish
PROPER BRUSH LOADING
Don’t overload a stencil brush or foam pouncer. Blot excess paint before applying to prevent paint from seeping underneath the edges of the stencil.
AFTER PAINT APPLICATION
Immediately peel stencil from surface to prevent paint from adhering to stencil.
STENCIL CARE
Wash stencils as needed throughout the project to prevent paint from drying on stencil edges. This step will ensure clean, crisp edges from start to finish.
TIPS FOR AMERICANA STENCILS
BASECOATED SURFACES
Allow basecoated surfaces to completely dry before stenciling.
STENCILING ON FABRIC
Try adding fine grit sandpaper between the backing board and the fabric, grit side up. The fine grit sandpaper will “grab” the fabric and prevent it from moving or shifting while you are stenciling.
CREATING OUTLINES
To create outlines of the stencil image simply trace the shapes with a pen or pencil. Add additional squiggles, dots, and doodles or fill completely.
USING TEXTURE PRODUCTS
When using texture products with stencils, be sure to apply with a palette knife or credit card at a 45 degree angle. Let texture products dry completely before antiquing or painting.
USING SPRAYS
Misters should be sprayed lightly to prevent bleeding. Once dry, additional layers can be applied to increase color intensity or layer colors.
USING INK PRODUCTS
Ink products should be applied with a cosmetic sponge using a circular motion.
FOR HEAVIER COVERAGE
Apply two thin coats instead of one thick coat. Allow to dry between coats.
SEAMLESS LETTERING
For a non-stenciled look, connect the bridges when finished stenciling. Take a small paintbrush and dip the tip into the same color you used for the rest of the letter. Connect the pieces of the letter. This will ensure your finished project looks clean and professional.
REMOVING DRIED PAINT FROM STENCIL
Immerse stencil in water for several minutes. Use a small scrub brush (like a nylon dish scrubber or nail brush) to gently remove paint. Rinse and pat dry with paper towel.
