palm frond

Stencil Process

Check out the Videos page for more information on how to work with stencils.

TEXTURE

  • To add texture to clay, roll out a slab and apply the stencil to the clay by rolling it with a brayer, acrylic roller or rolling pin. The impression depends on how thick the stencil is (either the .005” polycarbonate film or the .015” durable plastic) and how much pressure you apply when rolling the stencil onto the clay. Once adhered, gently lift one corner of the stencil using a pin tool or exacto knife, and then slowly peel off. Tap down or lightly smooth any areas that have sharp edges.

STENCIL PRINTING ON CLAY

  • Another effect you can achieve with stencils is “screen-printing”. Once the stencil is tacked down, you can virtually transfer the design onto the clay by painting the slab with either colored slips or underglazes. This process works best if the slip or underglaze is on the thicker side. If too thin, the underglaze or slip may seep underneath the stencil resulting in a messy print. If that happens, leave the slip or underglaze in the container without the lid for a few days in order to thicken it, then try again. 

  • After painting the slip or underglaze on the clay, carefully remove the stencil. Let the slip or underglaze set up until it loses its glossy sheen and when you touch it, it no longer comes off on your finger. At that point, you can proceed with forming or hand-building your piece.

REVERSE PRINTING ON CLAY

  • If you want the opposite effect from the technique above, first paint your piece with underglaze or slip. Wait for it to lose its glossy sheen, then lightly roll the stencil onto the painted clay. If the color smears, wait a few more minutes to apply the stencil, then try again. Once adhered, start sponging off the exposed areas that have been painted with color. The more you sponge, the “cleaner” and “deeper” those areas become. When you are satisfied with the look, carefully peel off the stencil. Not only will you get the printed outline of the stencil from this type of application, but also depth and/or texture in the areas that have been sponged.
     

WATER ABRASION

  • Water abrasion is a technique that works well with stencils. When the clay is in the medium to medium-hard stage, sponge the piece enough to add a little moisture so that the stencil sticks better. Once the stencil is in place, keep sponging away the clay that isn’t covered by the stencil, keeping in mind that the area that is sponged recedes, whereas the area under the stencil remains raised. It’s best to keep rotating and rinsing out the sponge as you go in order to remove enough material to get the depth you want. You can also apply stencils to bone dry clay, but you might need to spray the stencil with a re-positionable type spray adhesive, and then use care when sponging since bone dry clay is quite fragile.

CARE

  • Wash or rinse stencils with water after using and pat dry with a towel or leave out on a counter to air dry. If using with painting type mediums, wash the stencils as soon as possible to prolong their lifetime. Store flat and in a dry area. Do not bend. Stencils are re-usable and can last indefinitely if properly cared for.