Stencil Art on Canvas Tutorial

Stencil art is one of my favorite craft projects. Stencils are very versatile because you can use them on different surfaces and with different paints. Over the years I’ve done a lot of stencil projects including stenciling walls, chalk boards, wood, and fabric. Seeing the popularity of stencils return reignited my creativity in using them. So, I was excited when Stencil Revolution asked if I would review some of their stencils, I was happy to do so. It was a perfect opportunity to create this stencil art on canvas tutorial for you.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Getting Started on Stencil Art

If you’ve never stenciled before, don’t worry it’s not s hard skill to master. Stencil art is a step by step process that requires a little patience. In other words, don’t be in a hurry. Take your time, let paint dry between steps. Practice your design on some thick art paper first.

Another tip: less is more. Don’t over do how much paint you use. Stenciling is often done with a dry applicator (be it a brush or sponge) with very little paint. It prevents the paint from bleeding under the stencil, And, your finished design will have more dimension from the various degrees of paint applied.

Stencil Supplies List

• Stencil
• Art Canvas (in this tutorial I’m using a 8″ x 10″)
• Acrylic Craft Paint (I used Plaid Folkart Paint)
• A sponge brush
• A stencil brush
• Masking Tape
• Mod Podge

Prep The Canvas

Before creating your stencil art, prep your canvas by applying one or two coats of acrylic paint. I chose white, but you could choose any color that fits with your decor. For example, if you painted it black and then use white for your stencil, you’ll get a chalkboard look.

This next part is optional. I wanted my canvas to have a little farmhouse style to it. I dabbed my sponge brush in a small amount of gray paint. Next, I tapped the sponge on a paper towel to get a dry brush effect. And then, I ran the sponge down the canvas leaving behind small, faded streaks. Some areas have more than others, but it makes it look neat that way, almost like a wood grain.

Stenciling the Art

After the canvas is dry, tape your stencil to your canvas using masking tape. (I used washi tape I had handy.) Make sure your stencil doesn’t slip and slide around.

Apply a small amount of paint onto your stencil brush followed by tapping on some paper towel. You only need a small amount of paint on the applicator. (I used a sponge since my stencil brushes were hiding somewhere.) Dab up and down with the stencil brush, not back and forth, over the area you want to stencil. Go over it again until you have the desired the amount of paint applied.

I wanted a bright spring themed art canvas, so I used several colors for my project. I did each color separately, being careful not to let my colors get mixed with one another.

Let it dry completely

Seal it with a coat of matte Mod Podge to protect your stencil art from being scratched.

Final Thoughts on Stencils

Stencils come in many qualities. The cheapest is paper or card stock. They don’t last very long. Then you have plastic stencils in various thicknesses. I’ve had some in the past that were very thin and tore easily. But, the stencils from Stencil Revolution are nice, sturdy stencils that are made to be used repeatedly.  I’ll be able to create different versions of my home sweet home canvas art for different seasons.

Remember to clean your stencils after use. I found the best way to clean my stencils is soapy warm water and a sponge scrubbie or wash cloth. The warm water softens the paint. Whereas cold water will hard it and make it stick to the plastic more.

Plus they gave me two additional stencils of a wolf and mountains that I picked out for some wall art for my husband. I’m still thinking over how I want to do that one. I may try a couple ideas on some art paper before doing the final project.