Learn the Finish
What better way to create your very own custom accent than with our easy-to-use stencil letters.
Helpful Tips Before You Start
With any painting project, it is important to prepare properly before you begin applying to your surface. We recommend that you try out the whole process with the sample we enclose, even if you are familiar with using traditional overlay stencils.
First, make sure that all the phrases in your text are correct. Although we carefully check and pack these by hand before they are shipped, mistakes can happen (Ok – it’s pretty rare, but we still have to tell you to check!) Please notify us immediately if there are missing words or phrases, or it is otherwise not as you expected.
If a single character seems to be missing (especially smaller letters), it is probably there, but wasn’t “weeded” (technical painting term meaning the cut vinyl was not removed). Just apply normally as outlined below and weed it before you start stenciling by spearing the letter with tweezers, lifting it up and out.
If you have a large phrase or sentence, cut it into manageable widths (a comfortable arm stretch) before positioning on the wall, and butt the cut edges together as you tape it up. Although we pre-position the text, it is certainly OK for you to cut out individual words or lines and position them as you wish.
Your lettering contains three layers, a “sandwich” of materials:
1. The top is clear transfer tape, which keeps everything in place until you are ready to stencil.
2. The middle is a white, low-tack (not very sticky), adhesive backed vinyl- this will be your stencil.
3. At the bottom, against the adhesive side of the vinyl, is a waxed paper backing.
Before beginning, lay your letters on a flat surface with the waxed paper backing down. With a “burnishing tool”, (an old credit card works well) rub over your stencil a few times with medium pressure. This will help the letters to stick to the transfer tape for an easier application. (Fig. 1)
Use the straight edge of the VINYL (the WHITE layer) as your guide for measuring and leveling. The waxed backing may not be cut straight- this is normal. When it is where you want it, tape into place securely at top edge only. We recommend a low tack painters tape, which has now become a “hinge”. (Fig. 2)
When you’re happy with the placement of all the words, cut between the words (or letters) to give yourself a comfortable amount of material to work with at one time, approximately 1-2 feet. Flip up one section at a time and slowly and carefully peel the waxed backing off. (Fig. 3)
Lay the film against the painting surface. Smooth firmly with the flat of your hand and burnish* the vinyl with a tool such as an old credit card. (Fig. 4)
*Burnish – push down the edges of the letters with an old credit card so no paint will bleed** through.
**Bleed – area where paint seeps under and doesn’t look perfectly perfect!
Hint: Don’t worry about getting out small bubbles, they will cause no adverse effect as long as there are noactual wrinkles and the letter edges are stuck down. You may tape over your cuts between letters if you feelyou may get paint in the cut during application.
Remove all the positioning “hinge” tape from the top. Peel transfer tape (top layer) from top left to
bottom right, (reverse if you are left handed) pulling down rather than out toward you. (Fig. 5)
Burnish the stencil layer close to the surface before stenciling. (Fig. 6)
Stencil as desired. (Fig. 7)
Remove the stencil as soon as possible. (Fig. 8)
To remove the letter centers, use tweezers to” spear” into the plastic at an angle, then lift it out. This method will decrease the chances of damaging the paint, which could occur from peeling it off from the edge.
Caution: Be sure to test any adhesive product on a small area of the surface to be stenciled. Although the stencil is designed to be removed easily, in rare instances adhesive products may not be compatible with the surface material on which they are applied and may leave a residue, be difficult to remove, or damage the surface finish.
Adhesive products should not be left on the surface for extended periods of time nor unduly exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Results may vary depending on surface preparation and smoothness. It is the consumer’s responsibility to determine if the product is suitable for use and Caromal Colours® liability is limited to no greater than the retail value of its own product.
Our Guarantee: If you don’t get the results you expect, we will re-cut the problem portion at NO CHARGE. We want you to be happy! (Shipping charges may apply)
For more information and ideas about stenciling or for technical support contact us at info@caromalcolours.com.