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"Stencil"
Part of a series on
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Graffiti • Stencils • Sticker art
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A stencil is a static template, designed to produce a theoretically identical reproduction every time it is used.
Visual diagram of a basic stencil.
Stencils are formed by removing sections from template material in the form of text or an image. This creates what is essentially a physical negative. The template can then be used to create impressions of the stenciled image, by applying pigment on the surface of the template and through the removed sections, leaving a reproduction of the stencil on the underlying surface. Stencils are limited by the fact that the tempate must remain contiguous after the image is removed, in order to remain functionality. Sections of the remaining template which are isolated inside removed parts of the image are called islands. All islands must be connected to other parts of the template with bridges, or additional sections of narrow template material which are not removed.
Painted Stencil with tools.
Silk-screen printing also uses a stencil process, as does mimeography. The masters from which mimeographed pages are printed are often called "stencils." Stencils can be made with one or many color layers using different techniqes, with most stencils designed to be applied as solid colors. In silk-screening and mimeography, images to be stenciled will be broken down into color layers and multiple stencils are used on the same surface to produce multi-colored images.
A related surrealist technique is aerography, in which spray-painting is done around a three-dimensional object.
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Contents
- 1 Stencil Uses
- 1.1 Official Use
- 1.2 Home Use
- 1.3 Street Stencils
- 2 See also
- 3 External links
- 3.1 Official Stencils
- 3.2 Stencil Services
- 3.3 Stencil Graffiti
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Stencil Uses
Stencils have unlimited practical applications and the stencil concept is used frequently in industrial, commercial, residential and recreational settings, as well as by the military, government and infrastructure management. Stencils templates can be made from any material which will hold its from, ranging from plain paper, cardboard, plastic sheets, metals and wood. A stencil technique is employed in screenprinting which uses a tightly woven mesh screen coated in a thin layer of photo emulsion to reproduce the original image.
Stencils used to draw symbols and text onto technical drawings
Official Use
Stencils are frequently used by official oganizations, including the military, utility companies and governments, to quickly and clearly label objects, vehicles and locations. Stencils for official application can be customized, or purchased as individual letters, numbers and symbols. This allows the user to arrange words, phrases and other labels from one set of templates, unique to the item being labeled. When objects are labeled using a single template alphabet, it makes it easier to identify their affiliation or source.
Home Use
A common tradition for stencils is in home decorating and arts & crafts. Home decor stencils are an important part of the DIY industry. Prefebricated stencil templates for home decoration projects are available from hardware stores, arts & crafts stores and through the internet. Stencils are usually applied in the home with a paint or roller brush along wall borders and as trim.
Stencils templates can be purchased or constructed individually. Prefabricated stencils are most commonly made of flexible plastics, including acetate, mylar and vinyl. Some stencils are sold as children's toys.
"Happy 1984" - one-Color Stencil found on the Berlin Wall
Street Stencils
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Main article: Stencil graffiti
Stencils have also become popular for graffiti, since stencil art using spray-paint can be produced quickly and easily. These qualities are important for graffiti artists where stenciling is illegal or quasi-legal, depending on the city and stenciling surface. The extensive lettering possible with stencils makes it especially attractive to political artists. Also well known for their use of stencil art is Blek le Rat from France and Banksy, a British street artist.
See also
Political stencil graffiti by Josh MacPhee
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Stencil
- Street Art
- ROSTA Windows
- Julian Beever
- Theorem Stencil
- Wheatpaste
External links
Official Stencils
- New Stripe Industrial Stencils
- A Brief History of the Stenso Lettering Company
Stencil Services
- Stencils Online
- Spray Paint Stencils
- How to create stencils using Photoshop
- Stencilry. Downloads and tutorials
Stencil Graffiti
For more links to stencil graffiti websites, check out: Stencil Graffiti External Links.
- Stencil Revolution
- Stencil Archive
- stencilboard
Categories: Articles to be expanded | Decorative art | Printing | Printmaking | Art and craft toys | Graffiti and unauthorised signage