anarchista feminista
8th May 2008, 12:24
I know there have been alot of threads in DIY like this. I searched because apparently one had been made, but I could not find it. I request this thread be made a sticky to prevent similar threads being created. Here, all questions should be answered without the need for a seperate one in regards to making stencils, paints to use and how to make them stick.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN STENCILED CLOTHES
Making your own image
1) Find a picture you like (I've managed to do this with a photo before).
2) Fiddle with the contrast settings in your editor of choice until the image is completely black and white.
3) Using white and black, neaten it up and ensure there are no "islands". That is, no patches of white surrounded by black. If there is, simply connect them to the nearest bit of white with the white pen.
4) Print!
Making a stencil and painting
(This is the method I use, and it works really well for me. I've tried the stencilpunks one, and it wasn't very good. If I can be bothered later, I'll take some pics of each step and a finished product to show how well this method actually works.)
1) Cover both sides of the stencil with clear contact.
2) Use a cutting mat and small blade (I use a craft knife) to carefully cut around the areas of black. Having the contact on the paper is easy to cut through, but be careful because you can easily slip. If you cut too far out, just put a tiny piece of contact over the cut because paint can seep through.
3) I use my cutting mat in between my t-shirts because it keeps it stable, and prevents paint going through the other side. Tape the stencil down on the t-shirt (or whatever).
4) Using a stencil/craft paint brush (found in craft stores, I get mine from spotlight. Ensure it isn't too thick.), similar looking to this:
http://www.rd.com/images/tfhimport/2003/20031101_Stenciling_page002img003.jpg
dip it in the paint, and wipe the end to make sure you don't have too much on the end.
5) Press down hard on the sides of the stencil and carefully blot in the spaces. DO NOT BRUSH OR WIPE. Paint can go under the edges.
6) Leave the stencil on for a few minutes to dry a bit and very carefully remove the stencil. Being contacted, you can wash the paint off. Also remember to wash your brushes and take good care of them.
7) Use a hair dryer or heater if you have one to help speed up the drying process. Sometimes when fully dry I iron the back, which is meant to set the paint I use.
NOTES:
- Some paints will tell you how to fix the paint if you need to.
- DO NOT use spray paints. Even fabric spray paints. They are dodgy and fade quickly. I also bought one that broke on first use. They just don't have the same effect.
- Ensure you buy opaque (not transparent) fabric paints.
- I use Pebeo Setacolor Opaques 45ml. Which cost alot at AU$7. But trust me, it is worth it. It turns out quite good quality and can be used on any colour fabric with several coats.
- If you want to avoid that "stencil" look, make two or more layers. This can make your stencil stronger, and prevent intricate parts from being cut out by accident. For example:
http://i25.tinypic.com/2f0gcwy.jpg
Resources
http://stencilpunks.mattrunningnaked.com/
(I'll look for more, and add them later.)
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN STENCILED CLOTHES
Making your own image
1) Find a picture you like (I've managed to do this with a photo before).
2) Fiddle with the contrast settings in your editor of choice until the image is completely black and white.
3) Using white and black, neaten it up and ensure there are no "islands". That is, no patches of white surrounded by black. If there is, simply connect them to the nearest bit of white with the white pen.
4) Print!
Making a stencil and painting
(This is the method I use, and it works really well for me. I've tried the stencilpunks one, and it wasn't very good. If I can be bothered later, I'll take some pics of each step and a finished product to show how well this method actually works.)
1) Cover both sides of the stencil with clear contact.
2) Use a cutting mat and small blade (I use a craft knife) to carefully cut around the areas of black. Having the contact on the paper is easy to cut through, but be careful because you can easily slip. If you cut too far out, just put a tiny piece of contact over the cut because paint can seep through.
3) I use my cutting mat in between my t-shirts because it keeps it stable, and prevents paint going through the other side. Tape the stencil down on the t-shirt (or whatever).
4) Using a stencil/craft paint brush (found in craft stores, I get mine from spotlight. Ensure it isn't too thick.), similar looking to this:
http://www.rd.com/images/tfhimport/2003/20031101_Stenciling_page002img003.jpg
dip it in the paint, and wipe the end to make sure you don't have too much on the end.
5) Press down hard on the sides of the stencil and carefully blot in the spaces. DO NOT BRUSH OR WIPE. Paint can go under the edges.
6) Leave the stencil on for a few minutes to dry a bit and very carefully remove the stencil. Being contacted, you can wash the paint off. Also remember to wash your brushes and take good care of them.
7) Use a hair dryer or heater if you have one to help speed up the drying process. Sometimes when fully dry I iron the back, which is meant to set the paint I use.
NOTES:
- Some paints will tell you how to fix the paint if you need to.
- DO NOT use spray paints. Even fabric spray paints. They are dodgy and fade quickly. I also bought one that broke on first use. They just don't have the same effect.
- Ensure you buy opaque (not transparent) fabric paints.
- I use Pebeo Setacolor Opaques 45ml. Which cost alot at AU$7. But trust me, it is worth it. It turns out quite good quality and can be used on any colour fabric with several coats.
- If you want to avoid that "stencil" look, make two or more layers. This can make your stencil stronger, and prevent intricate parts from being cut out by accident. For example:
http://i25.tinypic.com/2f0gcwy.jpg
Resources
http://stencilpunks.mattrunningnaked.com/
(I'll look for more, and add them later.)