Stenciling has never before been so quick, so easy or so much fun. With Dynamic's high density foam rollers, you can complete stencil projects in one-tenth the time that traditional stencil brushing would take. Using a stencil brush is still the best method if the cut outs in the stencil are very small or if the pattern requires intricate shading, but for stencil patterns that call for even paint application with little or no shading, rolling the paint on is the best technique to use. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to decorate walls, trim, furniture and fabrics with the roller-stenciling method.

The roller method is especially good for anyone just beginning to stencil because it produces excellent results with very little practice. With Dynamic's roller, there isn't the need to pounce or swirl as there is with a stencil brush, where you have to worry if the amount of paint on the brush is adequate or if you might ruin the stencil by being too rough on it! The roller method is perfect, too, for large projects such as overall wall treatments or room borders, because your progress is much faster than if you were brushing the paint into the stencil cut outs.

There are more reasons why you'll find this method works so well: Dynamic's foam roller is made from high density foam that is less porous than most rollers, making it almost impossible to load with too much paint. And, the roller leaves an even application, especially important if the stencil cutouts are large. And the big bonus: unlike stenciling with a brush, the roller method works perfectly well using latex house paint, ideal if you want to perfectly match another paint colour in your home.

So, check the list of supplies you'll need and get ready to roll! You'll be amazed at your speed in achieving beautiful results... every time.

Stenciling supplies

• Dynamic Stencil
• Dynamic Stencil Roller
• Acrylic craft paint or latex wall paint
• Repositionable Stencil Adhesive Spray
• Palette (a flat, non- porous item on which to spread the paint
• 3" plastic putty knife (to spread out the paint on the palette)
• Paper towels
• Moist flat sponge

Stencil Steps

		Step 1 Assemble all your supplies where you plan to stencil. Drop a tablespoonful of paint at one end of the palette. Using a wide putty knife, draw a long, wide, very thin layer of paint six or eight inches down the length of the palette.
		Step 2 Roll the dry roller back and forth several times through the thin layer of paint, lightly coating the roller. This action will thoroughly coat the roller with paint and distribute it evenly into the foam. Do not overload the roller with paint. You will need another roller for each new color.
		Step 3 Make a pad of several layers of paper towels. Pass the roller over the towels several times to remove excess paint especially when working with more porous rollers.
		Step 4 Practice on scrap paper: lightly spray the underside of the stencil with repositionable stencil adhesive spray, following the directions on the can, or tape it in place with EdgeWise Painter's Tape.Move the roller back and forth across the stencil several times; gradually building up the paint until you achieve the color depth and density you want.
		Do not apply too much paint! Gently lift a corner of the stencil and check how the paint looks on the surface. (The stencil tends to distort the true appearance of the paint on the real surface below.) Decide if you have added enough or too much paint. (The same technique applies to using a stencil brush.)
		Step 5 Now you are ready to stencil your project using the same technique. Take care when moving the stencil to a new position that you do not smudge the paint on the last stencil you completed! You should be able to get several repeats of the stencil without having to reload the roller.
		Step 6 Remember, thoroughly clean your stencils and rollers after every project.

Hints for Successful Roller Stenciling

Many first-time stencil users are inclined to apply too much paint! If you have too much paint on your roller or you are pressing too hard as you roll back and forth, the paint will seep under the edge of the stencil openings causing unwanted paint puddles and a messy result. You'll be surprised at how little paint and presure is required, so practice on paper before beginning your project!

The paint on the roller may dry out, leaving the roller feeling sticky. Moisten it by rolling it back and forth over a damp sponge, then on the palette in an area where there is no paint. If your print is looking too faint and you think no paint is being transferred to the surface, you either need more paint, your roller needs to be moistened or you are not pressing hard enough.

It’s a good idea to keep your roller moist during stenciling projects. So, when you need to take some time to move a stencil to a new position, cover your roller with a damp cloth. If you won’t be using the roller for more than 10 minutes, cover it thoroughly with plastic wrap or put it in a plastic bag and twist the opening to keep the air out.