Stencils add another dimension to outdoor design with FolkArt® Outdoor™ Paint.  Start by preparing the surface of your project: 

New Wood:

            Sand using #220 sandpaper to smooth the surface, and wipe with a tack cloth or slightly dampened, clean rag.  Sand again using #400 sandpaper to finish, and wipe again.

            Basecoat the surface with the FolkArt Outdoor paint color of your choice; this will seal the surface.  If you decide to paint the design on unpainted or stained wood, seal the surface with FolkArt Outdoor Sealers (available in gloss, matte or satin finishes). 

Old Wood: 

            There are wonderful old wood surfaces to be found at flea markets and garage sales, and they make great objects for outdoor painting projects!  First, clean the surface with a mild detergent and water.  Next, sand the surface with a medium grit, and then a fine grit sandpaper. 

            Then, basecoat the item with several coats of FolkArt Outdoor paint.  If the piece has a great-looking finish, and you don’t want to paint over it, just make sure the surface is clean and dry, and that you have brushed off any loose paint.  Seal the surface with FolkArt Outdoor Sealers before painting the final design.

When ready for stenciling, tape the stencil carefully to the surface (use an adhesive backed stencil if possible).  Using a scruffy brush or sponge to pounce or sponge the paint onto the surface, being careful not to force paint under the edge of the stencil.