Stencils are a great way to make single or repeat patterns
with finish. You can cut them out of any convenient material,
but they always seem to want to move around while you are
using them. That means the paint tends to slip underneath
them and you end up with smeared edges.
How about a simple, do-it-yourself self-adhesive stencil
material? It is as close as the local Office Depot or Staples.
Head to the section of the store that sells self-adhesive
book covers. There you will find a clear, repositionable
transparent book cover material, usually for under $3.
The one here in front of me is made by the Magic Cover
Division of Kittrich Corp. of Los Angeles and is called
Clear Cover. This one is a 5 foot long by 13 inch wide
roll with a white backing that is easy to draw on and easy
to cut with scissors or xacto knife. Once your pattern
is cut, simply peel the backing and place the clear film
on the piece of furniture you are stenciling. The adhesive
peels off easily when you are done, keeps the stencil where
you placed it while you work, and gives a nice clean line
to your color. Sometimes the best finishing tools can be
found in the most unlikely places. |
