Stenciling for home decor is one of those things that cycles in and out. One minute it is super popular and the next minute it – not so much.

Lately though, I seem to be seeing more and more stenciled projects.

One of the things I always hated about stenciling was the fact that the stencils want to move around all  over the place. If I am stenciling a wall I have to juggle the stencil and some type of adhesive like tape or stencil adhesive. It is kind of a pain.

So when I was asked if I would like to review Stencib Stencils I was intrigued.

 

 

 

First, what is a stencil?

 

 

Stencils and stenciling generally haven’t changed much over the years. But the folks at Stencib have made the job a little easier by creating these self adhesive stencil sheets.

They come 3 8″x12.5″ reusable stencils to a package OR in a 15 foot roll and are made of a durable heavy material. Not quite vinyl but not quite fabric either.

 

According to the website:

1. Stick

Pull gently and unroll slowly on surface. Cut roll at desired length. Use fingers to flatten against surface. Readjust or reuse as needed.

2. Paint

Place small amount of paint or stain on plate or tray. Using small sponge roller or brush; apply paint sparingly. May also use spray paint.

3. Brag

When finished painting, remove Stencib® carefully. Prepare to say, “Wow!”

 

 

 

I decided to use the stencib stencils I was sent on my old beat up studio table. You know, to try them out and see how they work.

 

 

First I cut a section off the 15 foot roll and burnished it with an old gift card to help the stencil peel away from the backing paper.

Note: This isn’t necessarily in the directions for using the stencils but after using vinyl stencils for lots of stenciling jobs I’ve learned it is a helpful trick. 

The stencil peeled away quite easily except in one really tight area where it wanted to hang up.

I was able to move the stencil around a few times to get the edge of the stencil lined up with the edge of the table without the stencil tearing or becoming un-sticky.

Burnish the stencil to the surface with your hands.

Long stencils like this can be kind of tricky so be sure to align and burnish from the center out. 

 

 

Once the paint is applied wait a few minutes before removing the stencil.

I loved the way this peeled away without distorting or tearing. You can’t do that with vinyl. Vinyl comes away in a million pieces!

 

This is the back of the stencil after it was used on this old table twice. I image there wouldn’t be this much debris on the back if I were stenciling a wall or a newer surface. BUT this might make a difference if I wanted to stencil on a fabric like burlap. I imagine I could only use the stencil once or twice before the loose burlap fibers made it completely non-stick.

Even with this much debris I was able to get it to stick again. I could have used it one or two more times.

The website recommends re-adhering the stencil to the glossy backing paper for re-use.

 

 

After using the stencil twice there is a little bit of warping but I was able to smooth it down with my fingers.

 

 

The stenciled image is clear and crisp.

 

 

Because my table is old and worn I didn’t want to leave the shiny new paint on it. It just didn’t look right. So I went back with a piece of steel wool and sanded back the paint. Then I washed the table with a wet cloth and that took the paint back even more.

 

My takeaway:

• Stencib stencils are convenient for stenciling walls as there is no juggling the stencil and adhesive.
• They are kind of pricey at $7 for a 2 sheet package or $34.95 for a 15 foot roll.
• The adhesive works well – sticky without being too sticky.
• I like that I can remove the stencil without it tearing or becoming misshaped.
• I’m not excited about the available artwork as it is very traditional but maybe more current designs will be added.
• There are blank stencil sheets so that you can create your own stencils.
• All-in-all I liked the stencils and thought they preformed as promised.

 

Be sure to stop by The Creative Goddess blog today to see the Stenciled Garden Tote I made with the other stencil I received.