Using Layered Stencils to Create Depth and Fade Effects

Using the simple methods outlined in this tutorial can help you create beautiful unique designs on painting canvas, tapestry fabric, clothing items, painted walls, dish cabinets, or any other surface suitable for painting which just needs a little something to liven it up.

Materials
Painting Surface (as mentioned above: canvas, wall, etc)
Spray paint (Dark colors work best; enough cans for the area to be covered)
Lightweight Cardboard and Scissors
OR at least 3* Precut Stencils (All Same Design)
Transparent Tape or Removable Glue Stick
Optional
Newspaper and masking tape to isolate painting area and/or practice painting

Choose a simple, bold design for your stencils, such as a fish or another animal with an easily recognizable outline. If you are making your own stencils, trace your chosen design onto your cardboard and cut it out. Use the cut out to trace and cut the remainder of your stencils, at least 3, but *more is better, particularly if the area is large or the stencils are small. If you bought precut stencils, remove any cut outs so they are ready to stick.

Apply glue stick or doubled tape to the back of each stencil. If you are painting the design onto a wall or other large surface, mask off any area you do not wish to paint. You may line up your stencils from left to right or from right to left, but make sure that the "head" of the stencil is facing away from the end where you start. In other words, if you start on the right, face the stencil left and vice versa.

Lay your first stencil and press gently until it holds. Place the next stencil over the first, so that the back side of the second stencil lines up with the middle of the first, covering only the front half of the bottom stencil. Repeat this until you have laid out all your stencils. For a canvas, you may want a line on the top going one direction and a line on the bottom going the other way.

When all the stencils are in place, spray a light, even coat of paint over the area. Remove the top stencil and spray a second light, even coat. Repeat this removing and painting process until all the stencils have been removed. You do not have to spray another layer after removing the final stencil. Decide what looks best.