Stenciling 101

[imported_FR8 LIFE]

it seemed that there were some people who enjoyed my stencil flix in paper chase so if anyone was and any questions about stenciling this should get you on your way.. peace

INTRODUCTION

Stenciling is the poor persons’ printmaking. It is the easiest and cheapest way to print the same image over and over on different surfaces and in different places. To start off, the three most important things for making a stencil are an idea, something to cut with, and something to cut the stencil out of. I cant’ help with the idea part, but you shouldn’t feel like you have to be an artist to do this. One of the great things about stencils is that since each print looks the same and consists of only a positive and negative, it makes almost all designs look really sharp and good.


CUTTING

Any kind of knife, or even scissors, can be used to cut stencils. Some people like big box cutting blades, but I find them heavy and unwieldy. I always cut everything with the simple exacto knife. Nothing fancy, just the regular size and the regular blades. They’re really easy to find (most copy shops have them out on the counters for customers to use.) and replacement blades are pretty cheap and accessible. I also find them the easiest to use; I hold mine almost like I would a pencil, and they have a really nice tight cutting radius so it’s pretty easy to cut small details with after practicing a little.


THE MATERIAL TO CUT

The material you cut a stencil out of completely depends on a number of factors, but the most important are use and size. The main use distinction is whether you are going to use a stencil inside our outside.


INSIDE STENCILS

Stencils you plan on painting inside on paper or other materials, can be made out of just about anything (thick cardboard, thin paper, etc.). when cutting stencils to use inside, I usually use two different materials, either laser paper (the kind you can get out of the color copier at a copy shop), or manila file folders. If you are just going to use the stencil to make one or two prints (spray throughs) and throw it away, then the paper is perfect. It is really easy to cut, making intricate details easy to do. Since you’re not using very much, it doesn’t matter that for the most part, paper stencils won’t last for more than a couple of uses. Because laser paper is light, it’ll move on your painting surface. If this happens, spray a little glue (preferably repositionable spray mount) on the back and stick it to the surface. You should be able to peel it off.

If I want the stencil to last a little longer, I’ll use the manila file folders. They are both strong and durable but also thin enough to make it fairly easy to cut out good detail. I use them for everything, because you can cut nice, crisp lines on them and cut amazingly tight details (and they still hold together). Plus, they are easily acquired in most office settings, as well as copy shops, office supply stores, etc. Other materials can be used, but these two have always worked best for me. You can buy stuff called “stencil board” at art supply stores, but it is expensive and usually doesn’t work as well as file folders.

OUTSIDE STENCILS

When painting outside, the most important question to answer is what size do you want to stencil? If you’re going to paint something small, I’d use the manila file folders. Most people’s first idea is to use corrugated cardboard because it seems so strong. It isn’t that rigid (it folds easily, especially when it’s wet), and is a pain the ass to cut, making detail almost impossible. It will last for a long time, but you have to deal with too many negative factors to make it worth it. File folders won’t last forever (collected paint can make them crack) but are really durable and available for cheap/free. I have some that I’ve been using for tow or three years. They’re easy to hide, such as being slipped into a folded newspaper or shopping bag, and light to carry.
When I want to make a stencil larger than 12x18, I use regular poster board. You can guy it anywhere and it has the same basic qualities as file folders. It isn’t as durable since the size makes it harder to carry without folding, crushing, etc. It’s really important that stencils stay flat so that you can get a clean print, so the bigger they are, the trickier it gets to carry and maneuver them.

If you can afford it, the stencil paper, usually precut at your local art store, is a sturdy paper that allows many uses and intricate cutting. It is soaked in oil, so it may smell bad at first. The smell goes away but the paper never soaks the paint. One friend’s stencil was brush-painted over 100 times and is still in great shape.


For stencils 2’x3’ or larger, the best material I’ve found is the kind of board that Kinko’s prints their in-store advertising and promotions on. It is similar to the material that some cities’ subways use for the ads that slide into frames on the inner walls of the subway cars. I used to work at Kinko’s and take home all the old ads, and many are printed on this great really strong plasticized poster board that can be difficult to cut. It last forever and is really durable. I’d suggest striking up a friendship with your local Kinko’s employee and ask them to save the posters for you. Once again, other materials, like corrugated cardboard, can always be used if you need to.

Some of my friends also use a rigid, clear, acetate material that seems to work for them, but can also crack or shatter when it gets old.

[JUWSE]

thanks.

[yoink]

good info thanks for posting

i just noticed the sticky too so ima read some of that to see what other people said

[Ser3adc]

dope post!...imma get to some stencils right now!

[Destruction by Definition]

good info, i just made a peewee herman stencil...i went to ac moore and they sell plastic sheets for like 79 cents made specially for stencils...they work like a charm...you just need the patients to cut them...

[d-town_bomber]

thanks man, ive been wanting to do some stencils for a while. stencils are kinda self explanatory tho,

[artsol]

there's a bunch of stencil stuff on this board. But this was the best and I didn't have to sift thru bullshit of the other posts. Dope. what's your email b? I'm a chi cat aussi

[imported_FR8 LIFE]

Originally posted by artsol
there's a bunch of stencil stuff on this board. But this was the best and I didn't have to sift thru bullshit of the other posts. Dope. what's your email b? I'm a chi cat aussi
fr8graf@aol.com

[ha-ha]

cool man thanx 4 the info

[Ceso One SAF]

bump...good post

[WITS]

Just a little more info. Go to a craft/hobby store and get some mylar. It's easy to cut and you can see through it to trace stuff onto it for cutting. It comes in various thicknesses and such.

[Felix_McGunn]

that how-to guide rocked. I liked reading it this time around almost as much as I did the first time I found it on a site. You should give credit where it's due chief. I can appreciate that some bone heads may have no clues as to how to make a stencil but thats part of the deal, they should fuckin take the time to work it out and teach themselves something in the process, stenciling needs this to get people pushing the boundarys a little. As a medium, the possibilities are pretty much endless but 90% of the stuff appearing consists of badly executed, single coloured, half arsed images of celibrities.

[Felix_McGunn]

that how-to guide rocked. I liked reading it this time around almost as much as I did the first time I found it on a site. You should give credit where it's due chief. I can appreciate that some bone heads may have no clues as to how to make a stencil but thats part of the deal, they should fuckin take the time to work it out and teach themselves something in the process, stenciling needs this to get people pushing the boundarys a little. As a medium, the possibilities are pretty much endless but 90% of the stuff appearing consists of badly executed, single coloured, half arsed images of celibrities.

[cornelius]

i'm not that big on one color stencils really.. i've done a few of em, but i was never fully pleased with the end result... i'm more into the multiple layered pieces.... so far the most colors i have in one stencil design is 12.. i cut it out of cardboard..... cardboard is actually really easy to cut.. once you've been doing stencils for a while, you get better at knife control, and you know when to cut certain lines so you don't get those crappy bunched up corners and shit... it takes a lot of practice and dedication to do a stencil that truly stands out from all the rest.. i mean, i'm not an expert or anything, i've still got a lot to learn... there's always more to learn... anyway... i'm just babbling on about nothing... good luck to the kids who are just starting to explore stencil making... hope to see some good work posted up later on....

[arc7hyp-1]

why dont you post he link to the page you stole that from>?

[Robocop]

blah.. Manilla Folders are really good material to use for stencils. cheap, sturdy, easy to draw on, and easy to cut.

[spec]

Nice info, I only wish i had read it a little sooner. Atleast nwo I know what to do different.

[NATO]

i agree with cornelius. multi layer stencils are my favourites.

here is a nice example

http://www.cleansurface.org/stencils/surveil_can.jpg

[cornelius]

haha... that's a nice one NATO.. i'm working on a new one now.. it's a brain holding a knife with the spinal chord and off to the side it says "sometimes it feels like my brain is trying to kill me" in jumbled up letters..... it'll be good... i've gotten 3 layers done so far.. i think it's going to be about 8... not sure yet....

[mtscult]

best way to make stencils are to loo at other peoples first, like on obey giants site they have them to print out n make urself

check out how they are drawn
then make ur own,simple at first the get harder

the hardest thing about stenciling is the carri
ying it about!!!!

[soapy]

im know there are hundreds of threads with this info and i apologize but i need some help.
i'm trying to make a fairly detailed stencil to go on a t-shirt.

do people usually use an x-acto knife to cut out the image?
this shit is mad hard
i'm trying to cut it out on a piece of mylar paper
should i be using something different?
helpful feedback is much appreciated.thanks

[soapy]

c'mon man!
any help,suggestions,please?

[soapy]

oh ok.i got all the info and help from stencilrevolution.com

[iloveboxcars]

Way to be awesome.

[porque]

...why the fuck do you want to spray paint a t-shirt?..

[NasK]

fuck stencils, stick to the tagging.

[earo 35]

this is the worst thread on the site.

[adept]

What's up with all this inter-graffiti related hate? Stencils are dope, if done properly, so are pieces bombs handstyles ect ect

[rinse]

What's up with all this inter-graffiti related hate? Stencils are dope, if done properly, so are pieces bombs handstyles ect ect
originally posted by: adept

yea but what about scratch bombing/scribing. i havent seen even one of those that looked good. theyre just little nasties every where you go, like a writer wasnt evolved enough to figure out how to fill a marker so he just picks up a rock and bombs like a primate. its some busted up repugnent shit. seriously...

[adept]

True, but we need to relax a touch, don't you think. I mean, MOST scribes are shit, but every once in a while I see a dope one. It all depends. I'm not too into the whole "destruction" part of it, but it's dope to see a good one on an abandoned building, however rare that is. Plus, stencils require precision, I have a few of my own.

[AevOne718]

oh oh... I'm gonna say it... I'm gonna... ah..ahhh... achh

ETCH ETCH ETCHBATH ETCH

You know, that stuff smells pretty good actually. Public Transportation is no longer safe.

takeover.

[rinse]

cant argue with you on stenciling, i have a few original cuts myself.


etch isnt something i practice but i have seen one or two that looked okay. it seems like alot of kids that get down like that dont really know how to use it. i mean if its permanent wouldnt you want it to look like you knew what you were doing instead of coping a sloppy tag for everyone to see for a really long time?

[gfreshsushi]

let's not talk about etch.

but as far as stencils go, they can be done well. i've seen some really shitty ones and some great ones (banksy, duh). but for a tshirt?

BUY A SILKSCREEN! they're easy to use, easy to clean up, and it's a lot of fun to make bootleg tshirts of your favorite band.

[MRskrumps]

Yeah silk screening is dope but its kinda hard u need alot of stuff. Like emulsion and a drak room and u need to buy a screen. I think ur talking about Iron on paper crap thats eazy as hell just need a computer and photo shop

[imported_b0b]

bump this info.

To make my stencil I photocopy/print out onto white a4 and then laminate the paper at work. Cut out the stencil then and it is nice & easy using a craft blade and presto a ready to go, handy sized stencil.

[rinse]

yup, i'm feelin' some increased traffic in the yard forum recently. its good stuff. so is this thread. nice work fr8 life.

i like using a flat finish paint with a caligraphy cap on stencils. i think those caps work well with stencils, they fan out the flow of paint which offers good coverage with just a couple quick sweeps of the can and keeps any possible dripping at bay.

[imported_b0b]

http://www.stencilrevolution.com/tutorials...lsview.php?id=1 (http://www.stencilrevolution.com/tutorials/tutorialsview.php?id=1)

[ODS-1]

In the rare event you didn't already know.
www.banksy.co.uk (http://www.banksy.co.uk)

[26SidedCube]

Bring a big enough Zip-Lock to put it in so you can slip it in your jacket while you're not using it.

Pretty well-duh.. but I didn't think of this the
first time I made one and had to find a bag on
the side of the road to wrap it in... talk about
not thinking first.

[ODS-1]

I used to have this whole stencil guide that banksy wrote. It had all the details and now I can't find it.
But basically, use exacto knives. Boxcutters suck.

[earo 35]

i just made an ice cube (rapper, ice cube) stencil, it came out raw as fuck:cool:

[cømmunist]

how about we post some flix :eek:

[jhondoe212]

this works pretty good,

make a stencil inside a box thats say... at least 12 inches squared
and make shure it has pretty big hand holes to cary it around...
put some cans in it.

vuala.

all you have to do is act like you're carying around something very heavy put it down on the floor. and act like you tieing you're shoe... oh how'd that get there? or lay it agenst a wall and look in you're pokets in with one hand and spray with the other.

incognito

[earo 35]

i racked a box of manilla folders from a teacher and i dont know what to make with them. :(

[chiller]

good to see alot more writers are geting into stencils, they really are dope. im a stenciller who is getting into graff now im starting to rock handstyles and such, but dont worry i hate toy tags just as much as anyone else and wont start hitting shit up until i got the skills 100%!

[earo 35]

good to see alot more writers are geting into stencils, they really are dope. im a stenciller who is getting into graff now im starting to rock handstyles and such, but dont worry i hate toy tags just as much as anyone else and wont start hitting shit up until i got the skills 100%!
jesus... youve gotta be my twin or somthing cuz you just read my mind

[jhondoe212]

i been into graff and i'm just tryin' to stencil to advertise my group AMERIKAZ MOZT BLUNTED! (woop, woop) realy fuck the mainstream shit. the underground is so intertwined in graff so i figga' that i can make a bunch a caricterized stencils for example "drought the mainstream" infront of virgin and "TRL Totaly Racist Light-skins" in front of TRL useing my incognito tatctics of courese

[KuiK]

Fr8...forgot to thank ya. been a good help

[imation]

thanks, so many people would have been asking " how do i make threads" and u ended it simply...good job

[BackSeatBebe]

some one was telling me the other day that photograhy paper works really well. anyone try this before? better than asatate paper or laminatining?

[earo 35]

what are the best sites for stenciling, ive heard of stencilrevolution.com, and thasts just about it ... any suggustions, dont hesitate to post... :P

[NYKLIKN]

For carrying them around, u can use the manilla folder trick, but also get a normal (uncut folder) and put the stencil folder in it, this way it'll look like your carrying a folder, and won't get paint on you, plus if they ask u to open it, it just looks like a folder :lol: It mite help to put something in it... or not

[sinproph]

photopaper is expensive

[Ravek]

i just got into stenciling ands it kicks ass!!! i made a few stencils of me and one of presidnet nixon inspired by obey. i think stenciling is on the lines of street art graffiti

[I AM THE END]

at walmart there is something in the stencil section of the art supplies that is blank for you to cut what ever you want out of it... but my question is is any one else having trouble cutting stencils i know i am its like i want to cut a stencil of a face and theres spots that if i cut will make it miss sections. any ideas on how to cut i know an art teacher once told me that some times you need to use two stencils for just on imaige. any one else agree?

[swekone]

the best median for making stencils i learned was to yous those togo boxes from resturaunts the ons mad out of fome they cut easy and get down so ( the white ones)

[earo 35]

um... i think its time to revive this thread, what are some good stenciling sites other than stencil revolution....????

[SlipStyle]

Stencils are raw but suck dick to carry around. I prefer travelling with cans only.

[timemachine]

good info for real i wanna get into it cuz ive been doin a lot of wheatpasting thanks for the info

[imported_dowmagik]

Fuckin' A.

[NEA]

banksy.co.uk is a dope site. personally i use bristol paper for my stencils. photo paper is expensive in that it is difficult to rack, but you can get 100 sheets of rc paper fpr $25.
and im not really down with the exacto. i use olfa, or utility knives. with those you can break the tip off when it gets dull and keep on cutting, no hassle of getting blades.

[timemachine]

Originally posted by earo 35
i racked a box of manilla folders from a teacher and i dont know what to make with them. :(


why not kill yourself with them?

[timemachine]

who racks from theyre teacher? man ur too underground graff gangster for me man

[PlasticJesus]

I started off making stencils using cardboard and a box cutter. What works best, I've found now is a small blade (I use and Xacto #11) and plain manila folders. I tried hat stencil plastics and it was just way too weak for any good detail. Just like any type of graff it's all about practice and developing your own style.

I think the best stencils are the ones that are just as much about location as the stencil itself.

Post some stencil flicks!

[cornelius]

multi-layered stencils are definitely helpful if you find yourself cutting out more intricate designs. start with your most abundant color. then go to your secondary color (if any) then highlights, shadows, and you should always end it off with the outline/fine detail so that it doesn't get covered up by your larger areas of color. if you have parts that aren't going to work.... just connect them to your negative space somehow. i find it very helpful to draw a frame on whatever surface i'm cutting, that way everything will be linked to the sides and the stencil will stay pretty sturdy.. and you will always have a place to connect something to. you can go into some crazy details with single layer stencils if you plan em out right.. but i'm not going to give away all the secrets. they just come to you with practice.

[Krabb]

I love stencils. I go to an art (high) school and there are a shitload of graffers and stencil artists. I started doing some stencils myself, and when i start getting them up (the good ones) i show flicks. I personally use manila folders, and a #11 X-Acto blade. Since i kno manilas wont last forever, i will usually put two on top of each other and tape the sides so it wont slide. Also i spray glue and mount an image i do on paper onto the folder so its easier to cut (instead of drawing right on, you have a guide in case you want to outline the drawing onto more manilas.) After i finish cutting, the paper is fairly easy to remove without the paper ripping or anything.

[incognito]

ok this is all nice and i understand how you cut it and everything... but what about like.. the little pieces in the middle? how do those stay there? like the pieces that arent attached to the frame...

[PlasticJesus]

they dont exist.

But some times some multi layer stencils can cause that look, or paint bleeding underneath thin lines.

[yeaaaah baby]

my favorite stencil material is the plastic cover to spiral bound notebooks. its really durable, but cuts smooth like buttah.

[*SPACEPOPE*]

i cant believe its not.

[SIZZLE315]

Originally posted by incognito
ok this is all nice and i understand how you cut it and everything... but what about like.. the little pieces in the middle? how do those stay there? like the pieces that arent attached to the frame...
Draw the whole thing out first and everything you want to cut out colored in black, then try to make all the black connected. Then figure out what parts will fall away if you dont put a small gap in the line. For example, an eyeball: Instead of cutting out the whole circle "O", cut it like this "( )" , if you catch my drift. Then you can even add a little pupil attached to one of the lines or whatever. Just look at it, think of negative space and figure it out. Its not that difficult once you get used to it.

[Evoke_Me]

great thread

[Evoke_Me]

www.cutnspray.com (http://www.cutnspray.com)
www.stencilrevolution.com (http://www.stencilrevolution.com)


both should help anyone out

[cornelius]

if you can't figure it all out, and it's causing such a fuss.. just cut out a circle in a seperate sheet of whatever you're using, and paint that onto what you've already got... i'm sure you'll figure it out though.. and while the topic of supplies is up.. i haven't seen many people mention contact paper (maybe they have, but i'm rarely online anymore)... just lay some of that over top of what you're cutting your stencil out of.. and you have a nice waterproof layer over the top.. resulting in a longer lasting stencil.. that's not the only use though.. mess around with that and see what you can come up with... i also like the heavy duty swivel knives.. mmmmmmmm... you get some sexy curves with that blade...

[THE CORONER]

yup i found that out the shitty way

[revolution]

Ive tryed stenciling befor sadly i dont like, id rather just leave it to peopel like banksy, i dont see the point to tell you the truth..i can appreichate how they are good, but mine came out rather..er...poo..shal we say..

[rinse]

Originally posted by yeaaaah baby
my favorite stencil material is the plastic cover to spiral bound notebooks. its really durable, but cuts smooth like buttah.
thats a really good idea! i bet you could just roll that right up without damaging the stencil and it would bounce right back into shape when you need to use it.

the only problem is that i havent had much luck with cutting plastics. the lines dont always come out straight.
what would you recomend when cutting a plastic like that for good blade control, and clean cuts?

[cornelius]

if you're using a thicker plastic... a hot blade works best..

[NAVEDO]

HAS ANY ONE EVER TRIED MAKING A STENCIL OF ANY PHOTO BY PUTTING IT IN (PAINT) THE PROGRAM IN YOUR COMPUTER AND GOING TO IMAGE AT THE TOP OF UR MONITOR AND USING INVERT COLOR IT WORKS PRETTY GOOD SO U CAN GET A HANDLE ON THE STENCIL.

:confused:

NOT EVEN IN AN EYE EXAM THEY AINT LOOKIN FOR I

[rinse]

^^^i just draw up my own stencils.
hand drawn seeem to get more respect.
thats just this kids opinion though.

[FightTheBuff]

i made hella stencils today, im a stencil machine...raw master 2000

[rinse]

^^^ show off your cuts.
http://www.12ozprophet.com/forum/showthrea...&postid=1805178 (http://www.12ozprophet.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=1805178)

[Gunm]

Originally posted by I AM THE END
i want to cut a stencil of a face and theres spots that if i cut will make it miss sections. any ideas on how to cut i know an art teacher once told me that some times you need to use two stencils for just on imaige. any one else agree?
I'm on the same question as this guy. I've got a couple of stencil ideas in mind but obviously when i go to cut them, there's gonna be mad lines inside the negative sections (i.e. black space) that simply can't be connected to the positive sections. A white pupil in the middle of a dead black eye on a character for example.

Do i need to create two stencils for a job like that?

[rinse]

^^^not sure what your saying.
is it a drawing of yours or a photo image?

[cyens]

Use window screens( the screen to prenvent bugs from going in the house ) and window scealant ( i dunno the name for that, it the stuff you put around your window in winter to prevent the cold from going in ) then you can make stencil in which you dont have to worry about falling....you can even do a stencil in cross hatching.....
enjoy this....

[Gunm]

Originally posted by rinse
^^^not sure what your saying.
is it a drawing of yours or a photo image?

okay rinse, check the flick below...

[img]http://homepage.uibk.ac.at/homepage/csaa/csaa2323/pixs/kata.jpg'>
you see where the guy's head is and then there's the profile of his face that just seems to be floating in the middle....how is this effect achieved? obviously if you cut out the space around the profile of his face, there should be no way for that piece to just be suspended there.

Do you need to do a two layer stencil then?

[rinse]

Originally posted by LENS
okay rinse, check the flick below...

[img]http://homepage.uibk.ac.at/homepage/csaa/csaa2323/pixs/kata.jpg'>
you see where the guy's head is and then there's the profile of his face that just seems to be floating in the middle....how is this effect achieved? obviously if you cut out the space around the profile of his face, there should be no way for that piece to just be suspended there.

Do you need to do a two layer stencil then?
that is definately a single layer, you can tell by the overspray.
i am guessing that the head is connected to the rest of the stencil at the back of the neck just under the guy's hair line if not also at the front of the face somewhere as well. if your bridges are thin enough and you dump enough paint over them, the paint will bleed under them.
but yes you can use a second layer to hide your bridges although if you bridge in the right places they tend not to stand out as much and you wont have to worry about them.

[rinse]

i've never tried a screen like cyens mentioned but you could use that technique as well. in theory it would work as a silk screen but i bet the cross hatching would show through to some degree every time.

[Gunm]

rinse...thanks for the advice homie.

[NeVaDaT]

^^^ right on

[test]

For discreetness try making a stencil in the bottom of a pizza box. It can double as a means to carry the paint in and is not suspicious to walk around with. Also for small ones you can cut a big section out of the bottom of a grocery sack or something of that nature and placing the stencil in that. GOod for flat surfaces on the ground, you can jsut look as if you're sorting out your bag's contents.

[flippingreat]

didnt u just copy that off banksy's website?

[test]

never heard of banksy's website, just some ideas a friend threw at me when i first had a try at stenciling. never really reid it personally, didn't do much stencil.

[flippingreat]

banksy's website (http://www.banksy.co.uk)

[none]

cool thread, good info, usefull links, i just cut my first stencil yesterday before reading this, a freehand face, just a simple one colour thing, came out good, gonna get on the multi-layer shit..

ez

[2na]

I was just talking to someone about using cardboard for stencils...the paint sticks super and it gets all crusty hard.

This is good info...i shall direct toys to this post.
No offense...none taken

[ters]

yeah mad respect man, i m,ade a moneybag stencil and pyut up at least 100 in a week . cheers man. 3 layer syles!!! yewl

[earo 35]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/earo35/graffiti%201/bombstencil.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/earo35/graffiti%201/bombstencil2.jpg
thats the shit.

[rinse]

earo...
what is up with that over-spray?!
it doesnt even look intentional like the graff/art-hipster types always partially frame their stencils with.
it just looks sloppy.

[earo 35]

yeah, yeah i know but as you can see, theres barely anyy cuz i was RUNNING OUT and i went a little crazy to try and finish it

[rinse]

yo... your better off without any overspray... it looks soo much better that way... keep your work clean.

[STICKITUP]

http://img137.exs.cx/img137/8335/cone5ft.jpg
happy stenciling!

[arse one]

Originally posted by ODS-1@Feb 14 2004, 05:55 PM
I used to have this whole stencil guide that banksy wrote. It had all the details and now I can't find it.
But basically, use exacto knives. Boxcutters suck.
Quoted post

i used a box cutter cuz it was all i had but it still came out fine it just took a long ass time

[arse one]

earo, the stencil is lean tho.. just work that shit out with the over spray

[casekonly]

i was just browsing through here a bit ago and saw that someone had mentioned a guide on stencils by banksy...here ya go:


A guide to cutting stencils - by Banksy

* First off, stencil anything. If you wait for the perfect idea you will be waiting for ever. Cleverness is never as entertaining as blatant stupidity, failure and public humiliation
* Obtain a fucking sharp knife. Blunt knives result in fluffy pictures and make the whole process long and boring. Snap off blades of British steel are best.
* Draw your artwork on paper, glue onto some card then cut straight through the both. Acetate is apparently quite good but any sort of free cardboard is okay. Stiff 1mm to 1.5mm board is ideal.
* Get a small roll of gaffa tape, pre-tear small strips and stick them on your shirt inside your coat.
* Find a suitable piece of card to act as a folder. For instance when using red paint cut the stencil into the bottom of a pizza box so when you get paint all over your fingers its not so suspicious.
* Leave the house before you find something worth staying in for.
* Spray the paint sparingly onto the stencil from a distance of 8 inches.
* If you're in a place with lots of security cameras wear a hood, move around the city quickly and act like a sad old drunk if you attract attention.
* Be aware that going on a major mission totally drunk out of your head will result in some truly spectacular artwork and at least one night in the cells.
* When explaining yourself to the Police its worth being as reasonable as possible. Graffiti writers are not real villains. I am always reminded of this by real villains who consider the idea of breaking in someplace, not stealing anything and then leaving behind a painting of your name in four foot high letters the most retarded thing they ever heard of.
* Remember crime against property is not real crime. People look at an oil painting and admire the use of brushstrokes to convey meaning. People look at a graffiti painting and admire the use of a drainpipe to gain access.
* The time of getting fame for your name on its own is over. Artwork that is only about wanting to be famous will never make you famous. Any fame is a bi-product of making something that means something. You don't go to a restaurant and order a meal because you want to have a shit.

[anti-graffiti artist]

Does anyone know of that stencil tool? It holds a can of paint on a stick with a trigger that sprays straight onto a stencil. I can't seem to find it anywhere. Can someone help?

[involved]

Originally posted by anti-graffiti artist@Jan 9 2005, 12:38 AM
Does anyone know of that stencil tool? It holds a can of paint on a stick with a trigger that sprays straight onto a stencil. I can't seem to find it anywhere. Can someone help?
Quoted post

ahh, i think those are arms dude. they're at the ends of your shoulders. yepp.

[STICKITUP]

lol! yeah you get them next to the thing that holds the two tools that you use for looking where to spray

[casekonly]

i've got the banksy book in pdf format. it's about 27 megs. pm me and i'll give you my aim name if you want it.

highspeed connections only

[involved]

hey i like this post. iv taught myself stencilling over the last year. when i started my good arm had a broken wrist but i got it done with a bit of sweat and the result i sprayed on a tee-shirt. liked the shirt so much i made a few more, then went to fabric paints but kept using stencils with brushes and now i paint tees for a living. hehe ive got a big fat stencil cut out a broken arm x-ray sheet. its good.

i think you should paint shirts cos unique clothing is dope. do it. amen?

anyway, i guess i have some knowledge aquired which i am encouraged to dispense because of the cool community i see developing here. when i started cutting stencils, because it was home grown and i didn't see any point shelling out cash for art supplies (its called kiwi ingenuity where im from) i cut them out from those dark green filing cabinet files, which are a slightly heavier cardboard than manilla folders and have a slight gloss. they worked well, but with waterbased paint got them soft over time. i then used thin plastic from some cheap asian school folder i found, about as thin as milk container plastic.

i now use mylar sheets. pretty cheap and all you have to do is lay the clear plastic over your image, trace the parts you want to cut with fine tip pen, then cut them out. repeat for other layers elsewhere on the mylar. this is good because it eliminates the whole process of photoshopping the whole image to define the different layers. if you don't want to get too tek. just use a posterise function in photoshop then print it out. whatever. you could trace straight outta magazines if you want. im not a perfectionist, and i find that the weird bits that come out of a final print make it unique and interesting. they say, we've found this new technique to paint our world but its not perfect like you would like us to be. i don't know.

i also got these mint little knives. they are metal and silver, the size of a pencil. with a tiny tip that rotates. i don't know if these are the ones you are talking about above, but they rock because they rotate and when cutting details thats essentials. it was only six bucks at the art shop and have replacable blades. i cut on a board or glass. it takes time. use sharp blades. you could always slot the mylar in between the screen and the frame of your computer and slash it up right where your staring at right now. woah.

i figure if you put two pizza boxes on top of each other you could stash a can or two as well as a few stencils. get yourself a stupid scooter and a red hat and you could spend your nights 'delivering pizzas' all over the city.

umm... check my dope stencilled clothing at www.involved.co.nz

jesus loves y'all


the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls.

[DaRoYAL $hARPsterUnoTNT]

stencilz fuck rock fuck you haters thats some real art right there

[kidlogyk86]

might try cutting up some of those plastic covers that come on all-star or other notebooks. transparencies might work, but they prob crack or tear easy. for heavy duty stencils the covers work good, but theyre bloody hard to cut...so don't get flimsy blades b/c they can slip and cut you which always sucks...

masking tape is also your friend

...peace

[ducerone]

Originally posted by earo 35@Nov 23 2004, 05:33 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/earo35/graffiti%201/bombstencil.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/earo35/graffiti%201/bombstencil2.jpg
thats the shit.
Quoted post

:king: this shit is so phunkin sick kuzzo

[casekonly]

found this little tutorial on stencilrevolution.com
http://www.stencilrevolution.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7929

works well

[th3_monk]

:biglaugh:

[caponekid089]

[FONT=Impact][SIZE=7][U][COLOR=red]yo i got kicked out of my old name arsen so0o if any 1 got suggestions for names now with an A,N,orS either of them letters in it just im me on caponekid089, or ezgatz089...{aim}no names that are already in use in pittsburgh, P.A.

[test]

Originally posted by caponekid089@Mar 4 2005, 09:15 PM
[FONT=Impact][SIZE=7][U][COLOR=red]yo i got kicked out of my old name arsen so0o if any 1 got suggestions for names now with an A,N,orS either of them letters in it just im me on caponekid089, or ezgatz089...{aim}no names that are already in use in pittsburgh, P.A.
Quoted post

nas, san, ans, ants, saint, santa, sana, nasa, anas, asna, ansa, nsa, tans, saan, snas, ass, sas, nan, sna, sans, snap, naps, and, andi, andy, ankshit, ancient, ankle, skank, snaz, nasz, cmon man.

[PiercingMan]

Originally posted by test+Mar 7 2005, 09:51 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (test - Mar 7 2005, 09:51 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-caponekid089@Mar 4 2005, 09:15 PM
[FONT=Impact][SIZE=7][U][COLOR=red]yo i got kicked out of my old name arsen so0o if any 1 got suggestions for names now with an A,N,orS either of them letters in it just im me on caponekid089, or ezgatz089...{aim}no names that are already in use in pittsburgh, P.A.
Quoted post

nas, san, ans, ants, saint, santa, sana, nasa, anas, asna, ansa, nsa, tans, saan, snas, ass, sas, nan, sna, sans, snap, naps, and, andi, andy, ankshit, ancient, ankle, skank, snaz, nasz, cmon man.
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

[PiercingMan]

..

[raezker1er]

[quote=FR8 LIFE,Jun 14 2002, 06:36 PM]
it seemed that there were some people who enjoyed my stencil flix in paper chase so if anyone was and any questions about stenciling this should get you on your way.. peace

INTRODUCTION

Stenciling is the poor persons’ printmaking. It is the easiest and cheapest way to print the same image over and over on different surfaces and in different places. To start off, the three most important things for making a stencil are an idea, something to cut with, and something to cut the stencil out of. I cant’ help with the idea part, but you shouldn’t feel like you have to be an artist to do this. One of the great things about stencils is that since each print looks the same and consists of only a positive and negative, it makes almost all designs look really sharp and good.


CUTTING

Any kind of knife, or even scissors, can be used to cut stencils. Some people like big box cutting blades, but I find them heavy and unwieldy. I always cut everything with the simple exacto knife. Nothing fancy, just the regular size and the regular blades. They’re really easy to find (most copy shops have them out on the counters for customers to use.) and replacement blades are pretty cheap and accessible. I also find them the easiest to use; I hold mine almost like I would a pencil, and they have a really nice tight cutting radius so it’s pretty easy to cut small details with after practicing a little.


THE MATERIAL TO CUT

The material you cut a stencil out of completely depends on a number of factors, but the most important are use and size. The main use distinction is whether you are going to use a stencil inside our outside.


INSIDE STENCILS

Stencils you plan on painting inside on paper or other materials, can be made out of just about anything (thick cardboard, thin paper, etc.). when cutting stencils to use inside, I usually use two different materials, either laser paper (the kind you can get out of the color copier at a copy shop), or manila file folders. If you are just going to use the stencil to make one or two prints (spray throughs) and throw it away, then the paper is perfect. It is really easy to cut, making intricate details easy to do. Since you’re not using very much, it doesn’t matter that for the most part, paper stencils won’t last for more than a couple of uses. Because laser paper is light, it’ll move on your painting surface. If this happens, spray a little glue (preferably repositionable spray mount) on the back and stick it to the surface. You should be able to peel it off.

If I want the stencil to last a little longer, I’ll use the manila file folders. They are both strong and durable but also thin enough to make it fairly easy to cut out good detail. I use them for everything, because you can cut nice, crisp lines on them and cut amazingly tight details (and they still hold together). Plus, they are easily acquired in most office settings, as well as copy shops, office supply stores, etc. Other materials can be used, but these two have always worked best for me. You can buy stuff called “stencil board” at art supply stores, but it is expensive and usually doesn’t work as well as file folders.

OUTSIDE STENCILS

When painting outside, the most important question to answer is what size do you want to stencil? If you’re going to paint something small, I’d use the manila file folders. Most people’s first idea is to use corrugated cardboard because it seems so strong. It isn’t that rigid (it folds easily, especially when it’s wet), and is a pain the ass to cut, making detail almost impossible. It will last for a long time, but you have to deal with too many negative factors to make it worth it. File folders won’t last forever (collected paint can make them crack) but are really durable and available for cheap/free. I have some that I’ve been using for tow or three years. They’re easy to hide, such as being slipped into a folded newspaper or shopping bag, and light to carry.
When I want to make a stencil larger than 12x18, I use regular poster board. You can guy it anywhere and it has the same basic qualities as file folders. It isn’t as durable since the size makes it harder to carry without folding, crushing, etc. It’s really important that stencils stay flat so that you can get a clean print, so the bigger they are, the trickier it gets to carry and maneuver them.

If you can afford it, the stencil paper, usually precut at your local art store, is a sturdy paper that allows many uses and intricate cutting. It is soaked in oil, so it may smell bad at first. The smell goes away but the paper never soaks the paint. One friend’s stencil was brush-painted over 100 times and is still in great shape.


For stencils 2’x3’ or larger, the best material I’ve found is the kind of board that Kinko’s prints their in-store advertising and promotions on. It is similar to the material that some cities’ subways use for the ads that slide into frames on the inner walls of the subway cars. I used to work at Kinko’s and take home all the old ads, and many are printed on this great really strong plasticized poster board that can be difficult to cut. It last forever and is really durable. I’d suggest striking up a friendship with your local Kinko’s employee and ask them to save the posters for you. Once again, other materials, like corrugated cardboard, can always be used if you need to.






YYOOOOOOOO...BIG UPS MAN... BUT GUESS WHAT MAN......IM A BEGINER DUDE... THINK U CAN TELL ME WHERE 2 GET SOME OF THOSE STENCILS U TALK ABOUT... THANKS...N BIG UPS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!
:huh2: :huh2: :huh2: :huh2: :huh2: :huh2:

[Boar103]

If you can afford it, the stencil paper, usually precut at your local art store, is a sturdy paper that allows many uses and intricate cutting. It is soaked in oil, so it may smell bad at first. The smell goes away but the paper never soaks the paint. One friend’s stencil was brush-painted over 100 times and is still in great shape.

what kind of oil do they use??? has anyone tried waxing the paper??? i wonder if that would make it last longer with out cracking..

[D6FELON<<]

yea yea yea www.stencilrevolution.com <<dats all you need

[stilltippin]

thanks 4 the tips im tryin 2 make a great stencil of my throwie

[raezker1er]

Originally posted by Boar103@Mar 26 2005, 01:50 AM
If you can afford it, the stencil paper, usually precut at your local art store, is a sturdy paper that allows many uses and intricate cutting. It is soaked in oil, so it may smell bad at first. The smell goes away but the paper never soaks the paint. One friend’s stencil was brush-painted over 100 times and is still in great shape.

what kind of oil do they use??? has anyone tried waxing the paper??? i wonder if that would make it last longer with out cracking..
Quoted post






YO MAN THANKS ALOT .... BIG UPS 2 U HELPING ME OUT MAN CATCH U LATER DAWG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TinTin]

has anyone found an easy way to spray complicated as stencils onto walls??

i tried this one and it had too many parts and the wallpaper i cut it with was too flimsy. i tried adheisive but then it was a sticky paint disaster.

i think ill go back to simple stencils. lucky i wasnt on the street.

[STICKITUP]

banksy uses newspaper a lot of the time. i prefer using large rolles of acetate stuck together - you can get rolls which are about 3ft-1mtre wide. acetate is the way to go.

[arc7hyp-1]

acetate gets the thumbs up. lately ive been rockin the pizza boxes though. the kind that hold two pizzas. like from pizza pizza. have a party and order two larges. nice box;)

[ENO ELPMIS]

i dont plan on doing any stencils but i have a question when you guys go out stencil bombing or whatever do you jsut walk around with this dripping paint covered stencil in your hand or do you have concealing methods?

[casekonly]

there a re tons of methods...cutting out the bottom of a pizza box, using manilla folders to store stencil, a ton of things people do...

just be creative...

[Paul-o-Rama]

Have you guys seen those cutty caps called soft caps. The spray an even strong spray and are perfect for stenciling. Czech them out

[Unit E]

For smaller stencils you can get those plastic cheap binders with the see through shit in front and put your image under it. Cut that shit out and then pull the plastic off. Put it in the folder and you are good to go. Crisp lines and easy storage, what more can you ask?

[CMF]

my girl showed me that you can go to your locall hospital and ask them for left over x-rays and just use those for stencils. they work wonderful but you need a fresh x-acto everytime you cut one.

[Abc Eater]

Okay here we go guys my question is how the fuck would you spray on a "mulit layer stencil" Like how on banksy site the menu page. Is that just like the negative cut out and the positive. And he lays down the positive side then puts the negative layer over that and sprays it on? Also for big ass stencils how do you guys do it? Just take some big ass sheet of card board and cut it out?

[Balki]

when your doing multi layered stencils you spray the negitive outline layer first and then spray the other layers
if you dont get this ill post some pics explaining it to you. becuase i odnt know how to explain it.

[Balki]

fuck it heres a quick lesson
first layer stencil
http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/5233/mvc023s2wf.jpg
what it looks like when sprayed
http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/4863/mvc025s6wm.jpg
second layer
http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/2971/mvc026s5rp.jpg
what it looks like after sprayed
http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/7181/mvc027s8eq.jpg
third layer
http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/8539/mvc028s3zl.jpg
what it looks like after sprayed
http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/7282/mvc029s8du.jpg
its as simple as that.

[HEISTone]

3 parts.

1. outline/solid background.

2. shadows.

3. higlights.

in that order.

make it by posterizing it in 3 parts in ms photo editor or photoshop whatever. but it takes time, despite its easyness.

[Thought Wrong]

http://www.stencilrevolution.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=11

^^The tutorials section of stencilrevolution.com. Helped me the fuck out when doing mine.





Theres thread on how to cook salmon if you dont know what to do with the fishes you just clawed out the river.

[Seca...]

if you dont want bridges on your stencil, you can make wire bridges that are either really really thin or just invisble when sprayed, just use hot glue or a pice of tape.
i dont know if that made sense,

[spade561]

Originally posted by Seca...@Aug 17 2005, 08:53 PM
if you dont want bridges on your stencil, you can make wire bridges that are either really really thin or just invisble when sprayed, just use hot glue or a pice of tape.
i dont know if that made sense,
Quoted post


ive attempted that but the bridges wont hold up for more than 1 spraying because they get all wet again. on another note, they wont lay flat so when youre carrying them you would have to hold the stencil as is in nothing, then if the bridges fall off then youre screwed unless you have a skinny cap on you that you work reaaalllllllly well with.

[Inhalant]

here's somthing you guys can enjoy.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/emroloner/grbgabga.gif

[Atery]

Some of those stencils on the electric box are tight, i got a boy that i graf with who is out towns very own banksy, he got mad skills i will try and get some of his flicks up on this thread.

[dcstylez149]

nice thread...

[tHeFrEsHeStKiD]

anyone know how to make a stencil cap?

[grimey grimace]

heres mine .... its grimace in space.
aliens grimace and its all grimey http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/macneilrider/space2.jpg
then these are just some ones i was fucking around with..i like people to look at my shit and say "what the fuck was that dude thinking?"
these were takin with the phone cause my friends usin my cf card so whatever quality is shit

2 people talkin over coffee
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/macneilrider/ayebitch.jpg
dudes got his hand raised like a back hand and chick looks like shes thinkin and shes sayin "im submissive".
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/macneilrider/dubyateeeffmate.jpg
dudes grabbin the chick by the pigtails
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/macneilrider/grabembythepigtails.jpg
made the character in a hallway with a piece of green chalk and thought it was funny so i made it a stencil.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/macneilrider/denisthepenis.jpg

my style sucks but who cares if people get a smile out of seein this shit then im happy...

[Inhalant]

paint it and post it.

[MAR]

Ok quick tip, if you break a bridge you can tape it with some sort of semi strong tape (not duct something like scotch) and recut the piece you messed up on. Make sure you tape up more than just the area you messed up on. Yeh it does make a difference.

[i_write]

im lovin that penis stencil :biglaugh:

[Projekt Mayhem.]

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8703/flashup5205ml.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3601/dsc026707rg.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4452/dsc026719iz.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8976/dsc026724qo.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/376/dsc026752dz.jpg

i wish it had come out a little more defined, but i think it will look better on a solid backround or with a darker color

constructive comments welcome id like to hear some thoughts

[prevail00]

whos banksy?

[-KARMA-]

one of the best known stencil artist/pranksters ever. He's done crazy shit like putting up random art in huge museums, check it:

www.banksy.co.uk

[-KARMA-]

x-ray paper to cut on. its hard to cut but the most durable shit ever when its done

[ALUM]

what is the best paper 4 stenciling, i have tryed plastic paper but it splits

[-KARMA-]

i like 70 or 80 lb drawing paper. its good for both big and little stencils. If you want to print and cut on the same paper use exact index 110 lb

[SkullcrusherMountian]

what is the best way to make shirts with stencils? ive made the stecncials and ive used spray paint and bleach but is there a better paint for shirts?

[MAR]

jaquard fabric paint or screenprinting fabric paint

[Seca...]

Originally posted by SkullcrusherMountian@Jan 14 2006, 07:52 PM
what is the best way to make shirts with stencils? ive made the stecncials and ive used spray paint and bleach but is there a better paint for shirts?
Quoted post


read the tutes section of Stencil revolution...nevermind its down now...thers fabric paint and also, use photo mount on the back of the stencil and use acetate for the stencil otherwise itll bleed under

[Sparoism]

I'm sure this has been covered, but I just made some reverse stencils by tagging on some card stock, cutting the tag out so all the letters connected, then spraypainting the cutout tag.....looks like this-

[attachmentid=27743]

I've been getting tons of miscut card stock and bristol board from my local paper store for years...not to mention sticker stock. I buy it, since their dumpster is locked...but for ten bucks I'll get a stack of 18"x24" stock that will last me anywhere from three to six months. Recently, I realized that I could make sketchbooks on my sewing machine, so now I just use those...the cool thing is that I can make them any size I want to, as long as they fit under the presser foot.

I've found that card stock lasts as long as stencil board if I go easy on the paint by using a misting cap (hooded gray w/blue dot)- they won't load up as bad. If you use the same stencil all the time, you can make a photocopy of your negative and have it laminated, then cut it and burn the edges with a lighter just enought to melt but not distort them.
That's almost as good as a metal stencil, but much cheaper.

Oh, and I highly recommend OLFA over any other knife. The top of the line one with the black blades will cut at least twice as long as Xactos will....and always use a sharp blade so you don't drag.

Have fun!

[SkullcrusherMountian]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hurricane7410/DSCN2018.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hurricane7410/DSCN2019.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hurricane7410/DSCN2020.jpg

[staticELEC.etc || DEAD*]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/ELFudge_808/ghan234.gif


post some more pictures pleaseee!

[mr.blonde]

go to the stencil thread if u want pics

[eric GrR]

i found this one the banksy site the guide to making a stencil

"Collapse the box and take a fucking sharp knife to it. " - Banksy
lol :haha:

[WHOWHAT]

I RECOMEND EM

[Godless]

Im trying to make some very large stencils, and im having trouble figuring out how do to it efficently. At first I was going to use a big peice of cardboard, but it would be pretty sketchy walking around holding it. Then I decided to print out my image on multiple peices of paper, get them laminated, and stencil them one at a time. It worked, but not very well. Its pretty difficult to line all the seperate pieces up correctly on a wall. The next thing im going to try is cutting the stencil on a big peice of plastic, like a heavy duty garbage bag perhaps.

Does anyone have any good ideas for me?

[swedish erotica]

fucking stencil revolution is back running. bump that turkeys.

[eightball]

so......... wheres thread gone??

[onelegout]

Hi all - Just thought I'd drop a link to a tutorial I wrote on SR about stenciling for beginners

http://www.stencilrevolution.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12362

Good luck!
H

[eno putes]

i know no one has posted in this thread since S is back up but in case someone does see this can you tell me how to make those stencils that look like photos. i understand layers and everything but are the greytones just different layers of shadowing and do you use a base layer for skintone or just use the background?

fuck all you

[onelegout]

Basicly, all of the layers are different tones of shadow, highlight, and midtone. Just do the same as you would for a normal multilayer but do more layers. You will also find that making your black layer more detailed makes it look far more photorealistic than just doing hundreds of tones. You're going to need your black layer to be perfect if you want it to look real, and that takes practice.
Post your results and i can give you some tips
Peace
H

[alwaysHI]

...

[freeskier1292]

what stype of paint should I use for clothes and somehting hard like a helmet???

[shaleem]

stenciling is actually quite the bitch

[Qik.5]

^^ not worth the trouble i think

[Poli]

my new multi-layer stencil i made, what do you think?

p.s btw im looking to remove some of the spray adhesive on teh canvas without ruining the paint, anyone no a product to do this

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/anthony.brown18/underworld_stencil1.jpg

[Pedrofsky]

fuck men your stencil is just sp cool!

[Poli]

cheers man

[SpreadAIDS]

stenciling is easy if you just get a grasp of basic printing procedures and aren't a sloppy fuck.

[ADEL]

Nice poli, for the multi-tone stenil question- to get the greytones just set it to black and white and then seperate it from like darkest, dark, light, lightest and theres a 4 tone stencil. On the 30 day trial for Photoshop it's got the posterize filter and I just use that all the time. You probably already found out how on SR but whatever lol.

[Jelser]

pretty shit quality pic, but this stenil i did over a year ago when i did stencils and not handstyles. i now do handstyles, but this stencil is far ebtter than most shit on this thread(from the ones i've seen). i think the layers are lined up pretty perfectly. props to poli for his stencil tho, sick man.29228

[SOWman6]

^^^thats cool:cool:

[mag1kr3zin]

The best way i found was to use lamination paper...U can either draw your sketch on paper and then laminate it,use photoshop for the negitive which makes it easier to cut out the image or go to kinko's and ask them for their scrap lamination laying around.They will usally give it to u for free...The best site to learn is StencilRevolution.com They have a tutorial section..Go peep it!!

[aenox1130]

good points. i like to use the cheep like, For Sale signs or Garage signs, that are made out of plastic, they last a while and are easy to cut.

[ras]

i used illustrator cs2 to make my stencils. live trace makes it really easy to make them. but i perfer to draw them by hand.

[Flavicon]

stencils

[gen]

i make my stencils from random pictures in the net and i print them on ACETATE, i grab as much as i can from the art room in my school.

[zre]

word.
i've been stenciling for a while now but only tended to use smaller A4 size stecils ones that can easily fit in your bag or can hide under your coat, but i've always wondered how people carry about their bigger stencil?
i've used one of those A2 folders that you would carry a large piece of paper in that you don't want bending. they're generally pretty good and no-one really suspects you but they are a bit obvious when carrying one round at night and can get in the way if you need to run.

so how do people discreatly carry round their big stencils at night?

and how do people paint the backing colour for stencils? do you just guess and free hand paint then stencil over.
i tend to stencil in the back colour then fill the gaps, then stencil over. what other ways have people got?

especially like to know about the first bit

peace

[gen]

my new multi-layer stencil i made, what do you think?

p.s btw im looking to remove some of the spray adhesive on teh canvas without ruining the paint, anyone no a product to do this

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/anthony.brown18/underworld_stencil1.jpg

that's freakin hot man

here's my sticker stencil... the real pic is on the left.
sorry on the size

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h243/ralphie_lim/roach-stickers.jpg

[NeWoNeCaKcRu!]

stenciling for fags....anyone know what material is best for makin a stencil...

[gen]

stenciling for fags....anyone know what material is best for makin a stencil...

i'm starting to use manilla folders cos they're pretty tough but since they're paper they soak up paint so they'll go flimsy after 12-20 sprays non-stop... but if you let is soak and dry up... they'll last long.

Acetate is a longlasting mother but it's about as thin as a normal piece of paper and you gotta be careful when you cut it and dont make some of the un-cut lines too thin... they tend to rip off if you're not careful

also wit multilayer stencils, see if you can process the pic in photoshop and chuck on the "cutout" filter then add the "stamp" layer on it... fiddle aroud with the parameters till you get what you want... it's quicker than getting another program and processing the pic back and forth between two programs

[NeWoNeCaKcRu!]

i made my first stencil today...i was proud..it was not that great but it worked pretty well...i wish i couldget a flick...wel it is like a spraycan..and it has my tag in blockletters inside of it..i am gunna work on sumtin more complicated later...

[NeWoNeCaKcRu!]

what the hell is acetate just wondering...

[NeWoNeCaKcRu!]

painters touch works pretty well for stencils...but i am gunna get some belton soon because one can can do so many stencils...what is acetate where can u get it??

[Enray]

I learned everything I know about stencils from stencilrevolution.com. Some good stuff there.

[tx210]

yes maybe those of u who dont use photoshop should maybe try Gimp to me it works good its good 4 beginers speaking of me kuz i used it any way here just look at this link http://stencilrevolution.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12698 if u dont have it just read wats on tha link it gives u instructions on how to download n watever u would need just follow directions n wateva n ull get it if not i guess just hit me up n ill see wat i can help u wit basically its tha same thang as photoshop just diff version and u dont have ta pay 4 it

[tx210]

i have a stencil of as solja n wat not ill put pics of wat i got wen i can later yall

[gen]

what the hell is acetate just wondering...
its those clear plastic sheets that you use for overhead projectors

[arc crew]

do you cut out the black areas in a stencil?

and

i have 2 cardboard stencils, dont use cardboard for detailed stencils. I learned from 2 detailed as hell stencils and 3+ hours wasted

file folders are good.

[gen]

do you cut out the black areas in a stencil?

and

i have 2 cardboard stencils, dont use cardboard for detailed stencils. I learned from 2 detailed as hell stencils and 3+ hours wasted

file folders are good.

depending on what kind of stencil you're making, yeh, you usually do cut out the black... carefull not to make islands or your stencil's gonna be weak.

[Jelser]

i make my stencils from random pictures in the net and i print them on ACETATE, i grab as much as i can from the art room in my school.

this man speaks the truth that's all i ever do with stencils, acetate is the easiest shit to cut, infact i make mine in school cos they have really sharp scalpels in the art department too, which are the only way to cut. i dont do stencils anymore tho.

[gen]

haha yeah do all your stencil stuff at scholl, just say your doing some sort of art project.. cos you are really sorta

[Mr Hyde]

stencils are for poofs

[ci31o]

If ya can't get manila folders for free, the cardboard from cereal boxes works.

[xylene kid]

BRISTOL PAPER.... and duct tape the edges.

[step oner]

Etch + Stencils + a smooth handy = A Sexy Scribe........a bit more time consuming and a lot more hazardous, but it is a method with NICE results....

[gen]

Etch + Stencils + a smooth handy = A Sexy Scribe........a bit more time consuming and a lot more hazardous, but it is a method with NICE results....

holy shit, that's gonna need some sorta unbreakable stencil. great idea tho. choice!

[Gunm]

So i wanted to drop a few pointers and show some stuff...

First, here's the "Dream Girl". Old school heads will remember from the first hook ups skate decks...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ILockKidsInMyCellar/Stencil%20album/Dreamgirl2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ILockKidsInMyCellar/Stencil%20album/DreamGirlStencil.jpg
The yellow is some montana...how it got there...i dunno. She is still being perfected but so far, so good.

The next is a first multi layer stencil
1.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ILockKidsInMyCellar/Stencil%20album/layer1.jpg
2.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ILockKidsInMyCellar/Stencil%20album/Layer2.jpg
3.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/ILockKidsInMyCellar/Stencil%20album/Stencil1.jpg
It came out pretty good but it's the trick figuring out how to make a bridge so the guy will have a mouth. most likely create a third layer for the mouth and make some additional detailing on the jacket.

A few pointers.....

1. Manila folders work great for stencils because they are pliable, easy to cut with a sharp exacto blade and once you spray'em a few times, they get diesel quick so you don't have to worry so much about earing the stencil.

2. Avoid using gloss paints/montana/belton. These paints are all very rich and stickey, take forever to dry and can quickly dull/clog more detailed stencils. it doesn;t hurt to use these types of paints once or twice to make the stencil stronger but repeated use will KILL fine lines and small details.

Yeah, that's about all the knowledge i have to drop for right now.

[swedish erotica]

my friend does really great stencils with just computer paper.

Keep It Simple Stupid.

[Gunm]

wow...............





























..well good for him

[ides]

Etch + Stencils + a smooth handy = A Sexy Scribe........a bit more time consuming and a lot more hazardous, but it is a method with NICE results....
Won't the etch run ie ruin the stencil?

[tempo]

stencils are good i rember my first stencil it was good holla take care peace

[TRUEone]

yo the best thing to make them with i just found out last night is... xray paper. if u had a lot of broken bones, your all set. just take some old xrays for the stencil.

[cero$]

the bad thing about x ray paper is that its mostly black so a black marker doesnt work u need white paint pens i have x rays and no white pen hah

[KARTOONKILLA]

CARDBOARD FOR THE BIG ONES
ANY OTHER THICK PAPER FOR THE
SMALLER ONE

[ask1ne]

Has anyone hurd bout a stencil cutting machine!?

[Gunm]

^^^

I've HEARD about these machines but never HURD of one before

[ides]

the bad thing about x ray paper is that its mostly black so a black marker doesnt work u need white paint pens i have x rays and no white pen hah

You can draw/print onto another piece of paper, secure it to the x ray paper and then cut through em both.

[Genome]

Stencil cutting machines... sigh. What happened to the OLD SKOOL?

[Pikkapeppa]

im looking to make a grayscale 4-5 layer stencil. does anyone know some belton colors that will work?

[VILE_ATX]

Has anyone hurd bout a stencil cutting machine!?



http://www.blackbookstencils.com/

[-TORN-]

I made a Scarface stencil last night only I cant get the hand to stay down. It keeps wanting to fold so Im transfering it to this think something.

[VILE_ATX]

maybe you could try being original and making something thats not cliche

[Sike_Bomber]

yeah, but stenciling on your own is so hard. but it pays off not to be lazy and do your own.

[KRUM]

If you want your stencil to be worth a shit you have to at least know how to draw. The best stencils I've made were ones that I made from scratch. When you take pictures off the internet your just regergitating someone elses work. If your not going to bring anything fresh to the plate, you might as well not even step up.

Sincerely, Doug Funnie.

[-TORN-]

Im tryna think of something but all mine would be hard because I would have to fix ''holes''

[dame.]

thanks good post.

[Chase86]

Thanks for the info bro.

[johnneh7]

for that x-ray paper, depending on what you got x-rayed, just cutting that out would be a pretty sweet stencil, like if you got your skull x-rayed.

[haeler]

What's up with Stencil Revolution? Haven't been able to get on at all lately :(

[abcdhfhaskjdh]

belton isnt gloss paint

[sk8er6]

What's up with Stencil Revolution? Haven't been able to get on at all lately :(

supposedly, they got subpeonaed, and they are trying to track and raid all the ip adressess. i doubt it though. it think its a load of bs. hand drawn

http://www.12ozprophet.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=53485&stc=1&d=1176587081 darkest of 3 layers.

[sk8er6]

If ya can't get manila folders for free, the cardboard from cereal boxes works.

or order 50 dhl folders from dhl. also, might want to order webship labels also.;)

[Sacrament]

hey is there anywhere else to get some good acrylic paint besides lowes and home depot?neither of the ones in my town have much,and they're all shitty colors.
i've only done simple stuff like Dont Do It.the hardest stencil i've ever made was a Revolution Mother stencil.came out crappy though
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9336/dscn0215newnx8.jpg
and does anyone have any tips for drawing?i've never been able to draw for shit,and stencil revolution is down.so guess i need to learn to do this shit for myself.any advice,besides die,fuck off,you suck,and get another hobby?

[sk8er6]

http://home.neb.rr.com/monarchrose/drawa1.htm

http://www.artgraphica.net/free-art-lessons/free-art-lessons.htm

if your in school, take an art class and TRY. Dont half ass your way through telling the teacher you suck. TRY and pay attention. If your teacher is into cartoons(like mine was) and tries to teach you as such, pay attention, but you want to learn to draw from observance, even if you think that you know what something looks like. You can also take an art class at a local community college during summer. You could also find a way to get your hands on supplies. ; ), just dont get too greedy.
You can start out with learning to draw and shade your left hand and wrist(if your right handed)

pm me your progress.

-sk8er6

p.s. what you need acrylic for? if your making shirts, you can get hella colors from walmart for cheap @ 44 cents a pop for 2 oz. if you need large amounts (street/canvas work) you might want to mix your own colors, or use cans(spray cans that is).

[rockitmarty]

how'd you get that?

[sk8er6]

what?
the sites?
google

[SMOOTH-NUTS]

google its like a magic doorway to unknown lands like kansas

[Sacrament]

ok man but i cant take art for at least a year.ill try to learn from people at school or something.i was told that regular spray paint make then stencil stick to the shirt and it got hard/cracked.had a friend who skated around all day w/ a DC spencil stuck to his shirt.

[haeler]

what a shame. i made another splashscreen
-neutral

[amongst]

holy shit, that's gonna need some sorta unbreakable stencil. great idea tho. choice!

x-ray film.

i know a guy that uses that shit to make stencils. he gets it for free tho. so yeah.

[Mellow]

this is a good guide.
one way to make big ass stencils is to buy a cheap used projector, buy some single sheets of transparent paper and print on or draw on you design. then project it onto a piece of poster board, trace around the places you need to cut with a marker and finally , cut it out.

[amongst]

^^^

i used to do that at the student center at my old high school.

[pohguomin]

is using sandpaper advisable?

[sk8er6]

for smoothing out cuts in cardboard, sure, but not for cutting the stencil itself.(im sure you didn't mean that) Use a very fine grit, and make sure it doesn't affect your other layers if you have more than one.

[abcdhfhaskjdh]

man i thought no one would think of the sandpaper trick, guess im wrong.
That shit works really good though, just make sure that you can control
the paper, you should try to wrap it on a pencil or something for the real
fine edges.

[Mellow]

man i thought no one would think of the sandpaper trick, guess im wrong.
That shit works really good though, just make sure that you can control
the paper, you should try to wrap it on a pencil or something for the real
fine edges.

lol

[Syfr]

I use that plastic shit that they use for a politician's sign like "This way to office of _____" During elections. I find that you can scissor it easy, exacto would break, but if you want something that will last forever. That's it. I used cardboard, and my only problem was I cut shit too thin. I'll toss up the flicks that I have of my stencil.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/Bbookshit/Stencils/100_0671.jpg


Very first stencil. Love not war. Made before I read this thread, I used my flip out knife to cut.

[Syfr]

Ignore

[Syfr]

This sucks

[Mr.Jay]

Dude just rip off the signs on the front of news papers stands. there plastic coated and last forever.

[stanone]

sbc

[Mellow]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/464447702_3262d039fd.jpg?v=0\
most recent stencil