Stencils by the Yard are extra long stencils making your stenciling job fast and easy. Stencils by the Yard are one overlay stencils cut from mylar that measures 6" x 36". It's so easy. Just choose the method that fits your schedule and the look that appeals to you, then apply the paint in one of three ways. For a quick application, try the super speedy method—roll the design on with one color. Want some texture? Use the speedy method—sponge the design using multiple colors. For a more detailed look, use the standard method—apply multiple colors with stencil brushes.

Supplies you will need for all methods: paper towels, repositionable spray adhesive, masking tape, ruler, level and a pencil. To roll, you will also need: paint tray, 3" low knap or foam roller and acrylic paint. To sponge, you will also need: sea sponge, acrylic paint and a plastic tray or plate. To brush, you will also need: Spill Proof Stencil Paint and stencil brushes.

Place "Easy Mask" tape (brown painters tape) in two level lines 6" apart. Roll or sponge a color in the 6" space to create a colored background for your stenciled design. Center the stencil vertically between the lines of tape and paint right off the edge of the stencil overlapping the tape. This will give you a straight edge when you are finished. Some of the Stencils by the Yard have a decorative edge as part of the design. If you would like, you can leave off the tape and paint off the edge of the stencil for a less structured look. Stencil Ease Laser Cut stencils use a triangle registration system. Each print or overlay of the stencil will have at least two triangles. Border designs usually have four triangles. Measure and use a level to mark a guideline for stencil alignment. Line up triangles with guideline and mark inside triangle with a light pencil dot. Do not use the edge of the stencil for alignment. Repeat — line up pencil dots at one end. Mark pencil dots at other end.

Roll a 3" (approximately) low knap or foam roller in acrylic or latex paint. Run roller over several layers of paper towel to remove excess paint. The roller should be almost dry. Roll paint over cutout areas of the stencil. Make sure to cover the triangle registration marks and text on the stencil with masking tape so the paint doesn't go through those areas. Clean stencil frequently with a damp sponge (water base paints) to avoid paint build up.

Wet a small piece of a natural sea sponge with water and wring out the excess. (Sponge should be damp not soaked.) Dab sponge in paint. Blot excess paint off of the sponge onto paper towels. The sponge should be almost dry. Sponge paint over cutout areas of the stencil. Make sure to cover the triangle registration marks and text on the stencil with masking tape so the paint doesn't go through those areas. Clean stencil frequently with a damp sponge (water base paints) to avoid paint build up.

Remove the protective skim coat which forms on the top of Spill Proof stencil paint. Swirl your stencil brush in the paint. Blot excess paint off of the brush onto paper towels. The brush should be almost dry. Stencil paint over cutout areas of the stencil. Apply paint with a circular motion of the brush. Clean stencil frequently to avoid paint build up. With water base paints, use a damp sponge. With Spill Proof paint, use a dry paper towel or follow paint manufacturer's instructions.

Clean stencil with paper towel which has been dampened with turpentine or mineral spirits if using oil based paint. Use water for water based paint.