Hand painted stencils

[Gunfreak25]

Has anyone done any free hand stencil work on their trucks? As I understand it this is how it was done in the field during WWII. I will likely be doing mt GMC this way, but will use thin masking tape to make the larger letters and help keep the lines straight. Please post pics if you can!

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

GunFreak:
The stenciling done on our Deuce "The ARK" wasn't "freehand", but was done with hand-cut stencils and rattle-can paint.

1. Printed the lettering on plain white paper, using a MILITARY STENCIL font.

2. Smeared Elmer's Glue (the kind you used in grade-school) on the back of the paper and stuck it to Manila File Folder card stock.

3. Carefully, cut out each segment of every letter with an EXACTO KNIFE (Modeling Knife).

4. Held the stencil against the truck and sprayed the paint.

You can see the results in the various pics that I have posted in the thread below about The ARK.

Good luck,
John

 

[MWMULES]

RANDYDIRT had a Arkie duce with the state logo on it, me being a former Arkie I had him take a picture and email to me. I just blew it up printed it out on a folder cut it out with a box knife. Used some cheap magnets to hold to the truck and rattle can painted. First pic is want he sent and 2nd is my copy

 

[cjtroutt]

It's not that bad to do Oneshot signage paint.

 

[asgtoolman]

Using magnets to hold a stencil in place is a smart move; thanks for the idea.
To carry this plan one step further, what about using magnetic sign sheeting for the stencil ? It isn't that difficult to cut and would be very reuseable if you had lots of repeats for the same stencil.

 

[Bolkbich]

magnets are a great idea i been using them for years helps keep the letters crisp

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I prefer the card stock material for stencils. After multiple uses, the paint begins to build up, so I just cut a new one and go on.

I have used brass alpha-numberic stencils in a production shipping department with satisfactory results. But again, the paint builds up on them too. The more durable material allows them to be cleaned up instead of being disposable.

I'd try your magnetic material for cleanability. Sound like a great idea to me.

 

[Oldfart]

I used the refrigerator magnet material to make Shamrock door logo's for the St. Pat's Day Parade. Kinda expensive ($25 per shamrock from the sign shop) compared to the package of stencil letters I got from Office Max ($3). We used flat black rattle cans to spray the lettering, but the actual field stencils used to be a very thick paint and stiff brush used to daub or fill the stencil. ~~ We found several stencil font styles as we sanded down thru the paint. The later stuff was a smaller stroke and was vinyl stick on.

 

[JDToumanian]

I prefer the card stock material for stencils. After multiple uses, the paint begins to build up, so I just cut a new one and go on.

As soon as I lift off the stencil, I set it on a sheet of cardboard and wipe it with a paint thinner soaked rag to clean it off.... Mine last forever this way.

Jon

 

[jamesfrom180]

I lay down painters tape and use a pencil to mark out my pattern then cut with a razor. So I transfer onto the mask, cut the mask, then paint. I just have to remember that I'm dyslectic and have my wife proof read my stencils. I will also use vinyl drawer liner like contact paper if I'm using a sand blaster to etch signs or glass as a "resist".

 

[4x4 Forever]

I have been cutting stencils out of cardstock and heavy craft paper for years.

One thing that was passed on to me when I first started was to spray a clear laquer over the front and back to seal it.

Also, using the end of a pencil or other rod to press the stencil flush with the base helps too.

Magnets, as stated above work wonders as well.