Cut Paper Stencil Making

Stenciling, one the four major processes of printmaking, involves the application of ink or paint onto a fabric's surface through previously cut stencils. Stencil is a material (paper, cardboard, emulsion, film, etc.) from which certain areas are removed. These stencils are used to create sharp-edged paintings of the desired image, by applying paint on the surface with the cutout, leaving a pattern of that image onto the surface below.

There are two major commercial techniques for stencils making which account for nearly ninety-five percent of all screen work. These are the hand-cut film stencil making technique and the photographic technique. In addition, there are minor techniques like the tusche method, popular for fine art making, the block-out method and the cut-paper stencil making method.

For the home cut-paper stencil making method, you need a stencil cutter (either electric or butane), Mylar or projector sheets, masking tape, a piece of heavy glass, and the pattern. Make sure that the stencil cutter is plugged in about ten to fifteen minutes before use, so it will be hot enough to cut easily. Draw the desired pattern or choose a pattern from wallpaper, upholstery fabric or anything else that can be traced.

Place the stencil pattern on a flat surface and place the glass sheet over top. Place the Mylar or sheet of tracing paper over the glass and tape in place with masking tape. Trace along the outline of the areas you want to be filled in with spray or paint with a soft-tipped pencil. These parts will be cut out. Repeat if necessary, until you have a master tracing you are satisfied with. Lift off the Mylar sheet and your stencil will be visible.

Place the stencil pattern. With a stencil cutter held perpendicular to the cutting tip, follow the design and begin cutting shapes in the interior of the design. The cutter's short shaft provides good-tip control and cutting precision, making it ideal for cutting intricate as well as larger patterns. Cut using a single stroke per line and apply steady pressure. Carefully remove the masking tape from the stencil and lift the stencil off. This cut-paper stencil making process is the simplest of the stencil making methods.