How are stencil brushes different?

Jewellmartin
by Jewellmartin
I am beginning to use a few stencils. I have lots of acrylic paint and some other paints. But my brushes are all the cheapest I could buy. The only stippling brushes I have are from cheap cosmetic brush sets. I appreciate what I have, and gladly use them, but I wonder: Is there a difference in expensive and inexpensive stippling brushes that makes it better to buy the more expensive brushes for stenciling? Thanks for your answers. ☺️

  5 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 08, 2018

    A stenciling brush is designed for the particular job of stenciling. It has a head of stiff packed bristles to reduce the risk of paint getting under the cut out areas of the stencil, which lead to blotchy edges. You could get away with using a standard paintbrush which has firm bristles but you would have to be A LOT more careful and conscious of your painting to ensure that you didn’t make a mess of it. If your doing one small project this may be okay but It is definitely worth investing in a proper stenciling brush if you are planning on doing more stenciling in the future.

    • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jun 08, 2018

      Thanks, Mogie5757. I’m planning on doing more stenciling because my own painting talent is low! ☺️

  • I do stenciling for some of my projects and because my projects are always different I dont buy all the fancy materials for each project. I use a kitchen sponge which cut into small circles. Or just cut strips of sponge and fold it in half and glue a popsicle stick between the two. And make up brushes work great. You can get a full set from china for a few dollars.

    • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jun 08, 2018

      Thank you. Anita. I like to use sponge chunks for staining, and I hadn’t thought about stenciling with sponges. ☺️

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Jun 08, 2018

    you get what you pay for ... but if this is a hobby for you, start mid range and grow from there. A good stencil brush is stiff, so 'dabbing' uses very little paint and little risk of bleed under

    • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jun 08, 2018

      Thank you, Landsharkinnc. I like drybrushing, which is very close to stenciling. Bleed under can ruin stenciling. ☺️

  • To Work With My Hands To Work With My Hands on Jun 08, 2018

    While you don't have to buy the most expensive brushes out there, using brushes made especially for stenciling makes a big difference. You'll get a much cleaner result than you get from using brushes with softer bristles - no feathering or leaking under your stencil.


    Here's a peek at the set I use most:

    http://www.toworkwithmyhands.com/2017/02/a-kitchen-window-herb-garden-upcycled-tea-cups.html

    • See 1 previous
    • To Work With My Hands To Work With My Hands on Jun 08, 2018

      Those are the brushes I'm using now, and yes, I do like them. However, they aren't the only good quality stencil brushes out there. I'd just recommend you do use a real stencil brush, and get a good quality brush.

      Thanks for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed your visit!

  • Gk Gk on Jun 08, 2018

    I stencil with a triangular shaped make up sponge. Works great for all those sign letters!

    • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jun 08, 2018

      I had forgotten about those sponges. I might have some in my art room. Thank you so much. ☺️