How thickly should I apply stencil paint?

Apply stencil paint very thinly to prevent bleeding under the stencil edges. Dab off excess paint on kitchen paper before stippling through the stencil. Two thin coats beat one thick coat.

What is the coverage percentage?

This is the percentage of the stencil area that is cut out (the open design area). A simple bold stencil might be 40-60% open, while a detailed lace pattern might be 30-40%.

Can I use regular acrylic paint for stencilling?

Yes, regular acrylic paint works well for stencilling. Dedicated stencil paints or fabric paints are thicker and less likely to bleed, but standard acrylics work with a dry brush technique.

CraftCalcs

Stencil Paint Calculator — Paint for Stencilled Designs

Calculate paint quantities for stencilled designs on fabric, wood or walls.

Stencil Width

Stencil Height

Open Area %

Percentage of stencil that is cut out

Number of Repeats

Coats

Surface

Price Per Pot (optional)

Pot Size

How We Calculate This

The calculator multiplies the stencil dimensions by the coverage percentage to find the open (painted) area.

It then applies a surface-specific paint rate (ml per cm²) and multiplies by the number of coats and repeats.

Stencil painting uses much less paint than brush painting because only thin layers are stippled through the openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.