Techniques

Continuing our thread on Repositionable Art, the tips here will give you the information you need to create your own portable stenciliing using an art waxer.

Tips for Using the Daige Procote Hand Waxer

by Maria LaMalfa

1. Plug the waxer in and let it heat for at least a half hour; an hour is better. Do not use the melted wax as a guide; the wax will melt long before the metal roller is warm enough to work properly. Make sure the well is filled with wax; if not add some wax sticks.
2. Cover work surface with paper and place artwork on top. Do not use newspaper because the ink will lift and may roll onto the back of your artwork.
3. When the waxer has warmed enough, roll it firmly and slowly over the back of the artwork. The orange rollers have a little “give” - make sure you press down as you roll to ensure an even flow of wax. The waxed surface should be 100% covered and the coat will look ridged and uneven. If not, try rolling more slowly or pressing down a little harder. If this doesn’t work, check if you need to feed more wax into the unit - either way, let it sit another 10 minutes.
4. Make sure the edges have a good coating of wax.
5. When the artwork is completely waxed, feed some more wax sticks into the waxer before you unplug it. This will give you a head start for next time. If you don’t, next time you will have to wait until the wax melts before you can lift the cover and put in more wax sticks.
6. Cover the waxed surface with kitchen-type waxed paper. This will protect the surface from picking up debris. Roll the artwork loosely to transport to work site.
7. Mark out where the artwork needs to be placed — use blue tape or watercolor pencil to outline the area. Position the artwork and press down with your hands to adhere. When you are sure it is in the correct position, use a rubber brayer to firmly roll over the whole surface. If there are any areas that are not staying down, such as an edge, try using an old credit card to press down. If this still does not work, you may need to melt a little bit of wax in a disposable container on low heat in a microwave, then apply to resistant edge with a brush.
8. Remove any stray wax marks with Candle Wax Remover, by Un-Do. Squirt a little into a rag and go over the unwanted wax. The wax will dissolve and be picked up by the rag. There is no need to rub the surface of the artwork — if you do, you might increase the sheen of the finish in that area. The Wax Remover will not harm a waterbased protective layer.

Sometimes it’s easier (or just desirable) not to paint directly on the wall. When I painted the magpies for our Castle Bedroom, I was sitting at my work table, instead of up on a ladder.

Have you ever stenciled something on your wall, then wished you could move it later, after you’ve rearranged the furniture? Would you like to paint something in the comfort of your own home studio, then install it in the client’s home afterward? Want to take some of your artwork with you when you move to your new home?

Here’s the solution: Stencil your design elements on cambric cloth, cut around them, then attach them to the wall with an art waxer. You now have movable, portable, re-positionable wall art!

I first learned of this method from The Mad Stencilist, Sheri Hoeger. All of the farm animals in Sheri’s mural below were painted on cambric and affixed with an art waxer.

This concept opens up all kinds of possibilities, like using your waxer to hang temporary holiday stenciling on the walls. Stenciler Lucy Hurst stenciled poinsettias for her Mother to display during the Christmas holidays. In my own home, there are painted penguins sliding down the stairs of my sunroom during the winter months. Once the season passes, the waxed canvas pieces can be rolled between sheets of wax paper or against the shiny side of freezer paper, and stored in a mailing tube.

And if you get tired of looking at a design in a particular location, you can move it to another room. My friend Lucy’s topiary has graced so many different walls in her home that her poor husband never knows where it will be when he gets home!

Watch for “Tips for Using the Daige Procote Hand Waxer”, coming next week…

Here is a stencil method I had completely forgotten about until I began doing a little research. Lo and behold, there is a wealth of information about Freezer Paper Stenciling on the web! Whether you stencil professionally or just want to give it a try at home, this is a very simple and inexpensive way to stencil.

I readily admit, I have not used this method in a very long time, so I will defer to some of the other sites that show this art and give clear “how to” instructions:

“Unwind, Sit, Relax and Knit A Bit” gives a very clear step-by-step guide to stenciling with freezer paper stencils on “onesies”. Too cute! These would make a great gift.

The Craftser Blog has some very helpful tips about stenciling on fabric and using freezer paper for your stencils.

Over at Dabbled, you will find the cutest and very clever idea for stenciling on training pants, using freezer paper stencils! A great step-by-step tutorial is found here too.

Jean over at The Artful Parent shows off her freezer paper stenciled creations. She was inspired by reading Amanda’s post at Soule Mama, which features her adorable stenciled items.

Every post that I read had one common thread. They all were amazed at how easy this type of stenciling was. Take a look at their creative designs for inspiration and and some easy to follow instructions. I was quite inspired myself and think I just might have to incorporate this method somewhere in an upcoming job!