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Getting Started
The following instructions will help you stencil individual tiles, but you can use the same technique to stencil other ceramic items, such as mugs and plates.

With stencils and paint, tile can
make a personalized design
statement.

What You Need:

- Clean ceramic tile
- Palette or containers for paint
- Paper plates or paper towels (for blotting)
- Precut stencils to fit the tiles
- Spray stencil adhesive
- Natural-bristle stencil brushes
- Scissors
- Ceramic paints that bake on in your oven

Instructions:

1. Cut the stencils to fit your tiles. Stencil patterns are usually applied in more than one layer according to color.

2. Starting with the first layer, spray the back of the stencil with stencil adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Press the stencil onto the tile and seal the edges with your fingers.

Step 1 and 2

Finishing Touches

3. To paint on the first layer, touch the tip of the brush to the paint's surface, picking up only a small amount of paint. Then tap the brush onto a paper towel or plate to remove most of the paint. When the brush is almost dry, fill in the stencil with an up and down tapping motion. When you're finished, remove the stencil. If paint has leaked under the stencil, wipe away the excess with a cloth; or, if the paint is already dry, a crafts knife. Bake and cool the tiles in the oven according to the paint manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3

4. Apply the second stencil layer and paint. Use the registration marks to line up the stencils. Bake and cool again. Repeat as necessary for additional layers.

Better Homes and Gardens

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