Step 4: 4. Cut the Straight Lines

Mark Powers cuts the straight lines of the stencil pattern with an X-Acto knife and a straightedge
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Place the film and pattern on top of a self-healing cutting mat. Leave the pattern below the film while cutting, or if you prefer to remove the pattern, mark the areas to be cut away with an X. Using an X-Acto knife guided by a straightedge, carefully cut the straight lines.
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    Tools List

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    • 30-foot tape measure
      Measuring tape
    • black marker
      Fine-tip permanent marker
    • straightedge guide
      Straightedge
    • self-healing cutting mat
      Self-healing cutting mat
    • X-Acto knife
    • electric stencil cutter
      Pane of glass and electric stencil-cutting pen for cutting curved lines. Get one at crafts stores or Amazon
    • small plastic putty knife
      Plastic putty knife
    • small paint tray
      Paper plate or small bucket or tray for holding the paint.
    • stencil brush
      Flat-tip stencil brush. Get a size that suits your pattern's scale and shape. We used a No. 8 brush, which has a diameter of ⅝inch.

    Shopping List

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    1. Stencil film
    Sometimes called template plastic or acetate.

    2. Painter's tape
    for delicate surfaces.(It won’t remove the wall paint.)

    3. Repositionable mounting spray
    4. Old newspapers

    5. Latex paint
    Use a flat or satin finish to achieve a timeworn look.

    6. Lint-free cloths
    or sturdy paper towels for cleaning stencils and to dab when prepping the stencil brush.