Rotating Stencils Tutorial

Rotating stencils is a fun technique that allows you to get a lot more from your stencils and masks. By turning your stencils to different angles, rotating a single stencil or mask and adding various colours of ink, you can create an entirely new look! Here I’ve detailed a few bits of advice for using the technique.

Firstly, I’d recommend using stencils that have a repeating pattern because they possess rotational symmetry – this makes the finished result appear quite organic. However, anything from a clean and simple look to a busy style can be achieved depending on the stencil design and the number of ink layers you apply.

What’s great with this technique is you can use any kind of ink, even paste will do, providing you leave time to try in between individual coats – this allows for experimentation. Should you wish to use Distress Oxide Ink as a top layer, you can very lightly spritz with water to achieve a different look altogether.

While it’s good to plan colour schemes, you never really know what will happen when layering your contrasting colours as they often mix in unprecedented ways. This is part of the fun in rotating stencils – embrace it! If you find however that the end combinations are a little overpowering, simply use your stencil to add white pigment ink for a muted look. It’s easy to achieve great effects when rotating stencils, so don’t be afraid to get creative!