Lesson 3: Stenciling with Plaster
Optional Project
Project #3
Joint compound is very cheap. But you don't use a lot for small stencil projects like these. Get the smallest available container for the hardware store, along with a small trowel.
Pick up one of the inexpensive single overlay stencils that are usually colored in pink or blue - those colors seem to indicate greater thickness than the clear.
At the crafts store, look for an inexpensive picture frame with a wood backing. You may also want to pick up a picture mat that fits the frame and will accommodate your finished stencil to dress up your finished product.
Paint the front side of the wooden backing with acrylic paint (it dries fast.) Consider whether you want to color your plaster and by which method, and paint the background so that it will complement the plaster.
If you want to paint a drop shadow, do it when the background color is dry. Remember to position the stencil slightly down and to the right (or left - your choice) of where the final design will be centered. Use a traditional stencil color such as purplish grey or brown, or a slightly deeper shade of the color your plaster will be. Remove the stencil carefully so as not to smear anything, and then wait until the paint is thoroughly dry.
Other good media for painting drop shadows include tinted glaze - which will create a very transparent shadow - and stencil creme, which is translucent. Both are actually superior to plain acrylic in imitating shadows - but as long as your shadow isn't falling over some other object (in which case transparency is a must - you can always see through a shadow - acrylics will serve quite adequately. Also, try to notice the colors of shadows. They tend to be a gray-purple if not too strongly influenced by surrounding colors. A warm medium gray also works well. Or if you prefer, tint a deeper shade of the wall color, or the color you intend your plaster to be, with some added gray.
Now spray your stencil back with adhesive and position it so that the design will be centered both in the mat and in the frame.
Apply your plaster, being careful to not lift any small, fragile elements in the stencil. Work the plaster lightly until it is smooth. Remove the stencil carefully. Then allow the plaster to dry.
If you are painting it, wait at least 24 hours. If you have tinted the plaster then you can go ahead and assemble mat, plaster picture and frame as soon as you are certain that the plaster is good and dry.
