Using a Decorating Stencil

	Before you start stencilling, of course, you need a stencil. eBay is a good place to browse for designs and I sell a few here. I would recommend that you only consider using acetate stencils. This page is intended to show what happened when I tried to stencil rather than to say this is how you must do it. Trial and error is a far better way to learn than anything you'll find on the internet! I am experimenting on a room that is shortly due for painting before I try stencilling for real.
	The chosen stencil needs taping to the wall. The tape should be such that it wont damage the surface when removed and the stencil should be taped in such a way that there are no large gaps between the wall and the stencil.
	Stencil paint has a tendency to separate if it is left to settle for any period. A good vigorous shake will rectify this. I am using some dark blue and some silver paint in a plastic container that was previously used to serve an instant pasta meal. I deliberately did not mix the paints together in order to create a patchy effect.
	I did not do well when I tried to apply the paint with a brush but I found a rag produced better results for me.
	A quick wipe and dab applying only a small amount of paint works better than a large amount of paint. If the paint is too runny or too profuse it will find a gap between the wall and the stencil.
	As soon as you feel enough paint has been applied, the stencil and tape may be peeled away to reveal the handiwork.
	I should have used some paper to mask the area around the stencil. No worries though because prompt action with some warm soapy water on a rag solved this for me.
	Here is the finished result. It is not perfect but it is good enough to stay on the wall. I am sure than my next attempt (and yours) will be an improvement. If you clean the stencil by wiping gently in warm soapy water, it may be stored when dry and use again.