Decorative Painting Stencils

Cutting Out Stencils For Decorative Painting

By Penny Vedrenne

Cutting out stencils is the extra step of a cut-and-paint stencil design. Cut-and-paint stencils require you to actually cut out the openings (islands) where paint is applied. However, for the extra work, they provide some great advantages.

A cut-and-paint stencil design is usually printed on paper and so it can be reduced or enlarged to fit almost any project size. This is a big deal. If you like a Plastic Pre-Cut Stencil and it comes in two sizes -small at 2' and large at 4'- and the area you have for an image is 1' then the plastic stencil will not work for you. Take a cut-and-paint design to a copy machine and resize it to whatever your project area requires. Flexibility is great!

Also, cut-and-paint stencils are less expensive. You are not paying for the manufacture, warehousing and shipping of a product. If you can find downloadable stencil designs you can have your stencil immediately and no delay to your project. Just download the design and print out on your printer.

So far I referred to cutting out stencils on paper, but you have other options. You can purchase sheets of materials like acetate, mylar, wax paper, stencil film or clear overlays. These options allow you to create a permanent stencil that will be resistant to the penetration of oil, dyes, and water-base paints and ink. Simply trace your design onto the stencil film and cut.

You will find many options for materials useful in stencil making. They can be found at your local craft supply store, on line and office supply stores. You'll find it sold in letter size sheets or rolls for larger stencils. You may even find some clear sheets that will work in your printer or copy machine. When you are looking for a good film for making stencils, you want a material that will accept ink or marker so that you can trace onto it. Look for a matte finish. Also, a matter finish is best for the finished stencil because it will not encourage paint to seep under the edges.

Well on to the one disadvantage: Cutting the stencil.

If your paper stencils are in a book, I would recommend making a copy of each stencil overlay for the project you have chosen. By using the copies, your book and originals are preserved for future use. Don't forget that you can reduce or enlarge the size to fit the area you want to place the picture when you make copies.

Using a craft-knife cut out the objects on the stencil. Make sure your blade is sharp at all times. Dull blades may cause a paper stencil to tear or not go completely through plastic sheeting. The goal is to cut along each line only once with a firm, smooth motion. With your free hand, hold the stencil firmly and rotate the stencil so that you are always cutting with your wrist at a comfortable angle. This will help you maintain control over the blade and not veer off course.

When cutting past a thin bridge area carefully use a firm finger to hold down the paper. Try to keep your fingers well away from where you are cutting. If you are working with a multi-layer stencil don't forget to cut out the registration holes in each of the four corners, which will be used for the alignment of the stencil overlays.

As for recommendations on craft knives, I prefer an X-Acto knife with a #11 triangular blade. But an OLFA knife with the snap off blade refills is a fine option too. Again, just make sure the blade is sharp. Of course, be very careful when working with a blade and protect your fingers. Always be alert.

Well, I am sure that once you get the hang of cutting out stencils you will find the many advantages well worth the extra work. Happy Stenciling!

Looking for some great and unique stencil designs? I have just the place - [http://www.designsfrompenny.com] - You'll find everything from Fleur de lis to Oriental Designs to Tree Frogs and many children's patterns. You can purchase stencils individually or in collections of related images like The Secret Garden, At the Seashore, For a Princess, Old Fashioned Luggage Labels, Wine and Spirits, Angels, Cherubs and Antique Door Hardware. And best of all you can get your stencil as a downloadable pdf so that you can get your project off to a quick start. However, if it's more stencil how to information that you seek then look no further. Just visit http://www.all-about-stencils.com (our sister site where you can find all you need to know).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Vedrenne

Decorative Paint Effects

What You Need to Know About the Decorative

Painter's Tools

By Danita Lickfelt

The author of a book on trim voiced his observation about how each generation of carpentry books seem to assume that carpenters know less and less. He cited the way new books having to describe in excruciating detail procedures which used to receive only rudimentary treatment, attributing this to the decline of the apprentice system in the United States. He's probably right.

The pyramids, Solomon's Temple, and the soaring cathedrals of Europe would not have been possible without the skilled craftsmen who learned their craft from skilled craftsmen before them. Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari is said to have learned violin-making in the shop of violin maker extraordinaire Nicolo Amati, but his genius couldn't be restrained, and proceeded to outshine his master . Today, Stradivarius violins, or simply Strad, are the last word in violins.

The shift toward Do-It-Yourself partly explains this phenomenon. Increasingly people would rather do things themselves rather than call in skilled help, no doubt encouraged by the abundant availability of how-to-do-it-yourself books. Often the purchase of a discount wall art or an iron wall art will require the jazzing up of the focal wall, necessitating work that the homeowner feels he can do himself. For that kind of homeowner, here's what he needs to know about tools and supplies.

PAINTBRUSHES AND APPLICATORS

You don't use just about any kind of paintbrush for a particular type of painting work. Synthetic-bristle paintbrushes are used with water-based latex and acrylic paints, while those with natural bristles are used with oil-based paints. Using natural-bristle paintbrushes with water-based paints will result in the brushes bunching together destroying the finish, although there are situations which call for the use of natural-bristle paintbrushes with water-based paints, as when streaking water-based color-washed finish, or dry-brushing water-based paints to tone down faux wood and strie finishes.

To clean paintbrushes you need brush combs to remove residual paint from brushes and align the bristles to allow for proper drying. Brush combs have a curved side opposite the teeth. This is for cleaning paint rollers.

Decorative painters also use stencil brushes, which have small and large versions. Small stencil brushes are used for fine detail work, and large stencil brushes for designs with large openings. Both synthetic- or natural-bristle stencil brushes may be used with acrylics.

Decorative painters also use artist's brushes: fan, liner, and flat. Remember always to gently stroke the bristles with your fingers after cleaning them in a stream of water using mild soap, and storing them upright on their handles afterward.

There are also sponge applicators for application on smooth, flat surfaces.

Painting walls next to moldings, ceilings, and corners can be tricky, and that's why you have paint edgers with guide wheels.

PAINT ROLLERS

If you have a wall or ceiling to paint, you use paint rollers. Paint rollers have three parts. The extension pole has a threaded female that accommodates the handle of the roller frame. Choose roller frames with nylon bearings and a threaded end. Roller pads are available in different nap thicknesses. Use synthetic or lamb's wool roller pads with water-based paints. For painting on smooth surfaces like wood, wallboard, or smooth plaster, use short-nap roller pads (1/4" to 3/8"). Use medium-nap and long-nap roller pads for everything else.

TAPES

You need tapes to cover any surrounding areas. One type is painter's masking tape. Another is painter's tape, a strip of wide brown paper with only one edge having adhesive. Stencil tape looks like masking tape, but differs from masking tape in its ability to stick to Mylar stencils without damaging them.

This Article was provided by Danita Lickfelt who writes for an online metal wall art store that features musical wall sculptures and metal wall artwork.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danita_Lickfelt

Decorative Concrete

Floor Stencils - Ideas For Decorative Concrete Floors

By Debra T Conrad

Faux painting techniques are an economical and innovative way to transform any surface and can complement any decorating style. Dull concrete floors, both indoors and out, can be brought dramatically to life with paint.

In theory, almost any look can be replicated, by introducing color, pattern and texture. The ideal design will vary according to the room or space you are making over. You may want a color scheme or theme to complement the décor style and/or function of a room or outdoor area.

Planning and Preparation

Before choosing a design, look carefully at your surface and space. Some designs are useful for disguising flaws in a floor. For other designs you may need to patch and smooth flawed surfaces thoroughly first.

You will also need to think about the traffic in the area you are painting. Is it worth doing an elaborate, time-consuming pattern in a high traffic area? If you don't like the distressed look that will result, you may want to rethink. Designs also need matching to the surface area. Large, bold patterns may be out of scale for a small room. Equally, small, detailed patterns may get lost in large spaces. If you are using stencils, note that some manufacturers can resize stencils for you.

Inspirations for Faux Painted Floors

Brick and Stone

Brick (or 'block') and stone finishes can add texture and/or color and can be effective indoors or outdoors. Patterned brickwork is easily simulated using reusable stencils. They are available in a wide range of designs and are an easy option for beginners.

Simulating the effect of stone may require more expertise (and time) and so may be more suitable for smaller spaces. Many types of stone can be reproduced using paint. You could create a luxurious marble floor for your bathroom. Faux slate paving or flagstones will suit patios and indoor spaces, such as kitchens or hallways.

Tiles and Mosaics

Faux terracotta tiles are a versatile option for kitchens, patios and dining rooms. Their warm, earthy appearance goes well with the rustic Tuscan look and can add warmth in a modern home. Again, stenciling can be used to reproduce a tiled appearance. You could use paint to create a faux mosaic floor worthy of a Roman villa.

Patterned and Textured Finishes

For a finish that isn't too busy, you can use paint to create subtle texture. The color washing technique used to create a mottled or cloudy effect on walls can also be used on floors. Distressed and antique finishes that simulate wear and age may be suitable in some décor schemes.

With pattern, your choice is endless. Covering an entire surface is one option. Alternatively you could paint a faux rug, perhaps with patterns inspired by oriental carpets and kelims. You might prefer clean lines and geometric patterns. Stencils are always useful and can be used for patterned borders for a more understated look.

Bold or subtle, bright or neutral, faux painting techniques can give your floor an expensive-looking makeover that won't break the bank.

Find more concrete floor stencil ideas from That Painter Lady. Then claim your free "Insider's Guide to Faux Painting" and avoid all the common mistakes, get success tips, find the right products for the job and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_T_Conrad