Stencils

By Edward J. Winslow
Vinyl, paper, plastic, tape or “Flattoo”: One of these options might work for you

Stenciling on concrete opens the door to a world of design options that personalize and enhance a decorative concrete project.

The results can be simple or complex depending on the design you are seeking. Stencils can be used to create tile or stone patterns, corporate and company logos, and unique works of art.

So where do you start? There are a few different types of stencils for creating your pattern, and lots of techniques and products.

The most common use of stencils has been for creating tile, brick and stone patterns with the use of concrete overlays. The process is: Apply the first coat in your grout color, then when that coat is dry, lay out your stencil pattern.

Stencils for this application are vinyl with or without a sticky adhesive backing. Most applicators will likely use ones with adhesive backing, augmented with additional adhesive from a sticky putty placed randomly in little balls to help keep the stencil flat.