Lesson 1: Media for Walls and Hard Surfaces - Beyond the Usual

While it is possible to create charming looks with only the most basic of stenciling equipment, there are so many wonderful things that can be achieved with a stencil, some media for painting and an applicator that it would be a shame to stop there.

In Stenciling 101 we dealt primarily with the basics of stenciling on walls and hard surfaces, using the materials most commonly found in the stencil department of most craft stores. But if you take a long look around that store you'll discover just how much further your interest in stenciling can take you.

For instance, there are media to add to your paints to create special effects - everything from glazes to create faux finishes to additives that will make your paint glow in the dark.

And why stop with one-dimensional stenciling? You can also stencil in three dimensions using plaster, or use heavy gauge mylar or brass stencils to emboss designs on paper. You may have seen small framed pictures of a simple design framed with a fairly high price tag - but with a bit of technique you can do the same yourself and on a much larger scale if you like.

You can also etch designs on glass, or into fabric. You've seen the generally pricey clothing and scarves of devore (burnt out velvet.) With a stencil and the right media you give that look to your own clothing - and then etch the design into your mirror for a double whammy.

And finally you can have endless fun using stencils and fabric paint to customise not just your wardrobe, but to coordinate walls, curtains, pillows, furniture and even rugs with your latest wall stenciling.

So get your brushes ready because we're off to explore the exciting world of stenciling, beyond the basics.

Overview: Media for Advanced Stenciling Techniques

While many of us have had some experience using acrylic paints and stencils to create wall borders, accents and murals, there are a lot of other possible paint and tools that can add different effects to your stenciling. Many simply change the basic look of the paint application, but many will allow you to create special effects such as faux finishes within your stencil designs. This lesson will look beyond the basics at other tools that will give added life and interest to your stenciling.

Materials for Advanced stenciling include the following. We'll examine each in some detail.: