Technical Design Solutions for Theatre

Easy Stenciling Technique

Tom LeToumeau

 

For years I have been stenciling wallpaper patterns and have tried a variety of published techniques. Each method involved some drawback. Ordinary stencil paper will not last long enough to complete a large project even if shellac or some other sealant is applied, so multiple masters need to be cut. If you must work on a vertical surface and the pattern is lacy, the weight of the paint often pulls some parts of the stencil away from the wall, and delicate sections eventually break off.

In searching for a more suitable and durable material, I cut a small pattern out of a plastic “Garage Sale” sign available at any hardware or discount store. It was extremely easy to cut with an X-Actom blade, and even ...