By Amy Solovay

Paint and stencils are compatible, so if you’re new to stenciling, you might be wondering what paint to use with stencils. This is a valid question. However, you might not be aware that paint isn’t your only option for stenciling media. You could also use products that are specifically formulated for use with stencils — and they can be a lot easier to work with plus give you better results than paint would. So on this page, I’m going to give you my suggestions for what paint to use with stencils, plus I’m also going to recommend some options for other stenciling media that technically aren’t paints but that could be expected to give you better results than paint would.

Inks are another option for stenciling media to consider. Although inks aren’t specifically formulated to use for stenciling, they can give you amazing results, particularly in cases where you are hoping to create multicolored effects with your stencils — because you can use ink blending techniques with your stencils to create really amazing results.

To get the best results with stencils plus any type of media, including paint or ink, I recommend using Pixie Spray. Pixie Spray is a repositionable adhesive that keeps your stencil stuck to the surface of your project, making it less likely that your paint or media will bleed and run under the stencil. Pixie Spray isn’t foolproof, but it is definitely a game changer. It is the secret to achieving professional-quality results with stenciling. So no matter what paint or medium you decide to use for your stenciling, I recommend picking up some Pixie Spray to help you achieve the best possible results you’re capable of.

Acrylic Craft Paint

Ordinary acrylic craft paint comes in every color you could possibly want, and it is relatively affordable. It is compatible with stencils but is not the easiest thing you could be stenciling with.

Stencil Butter

Stencil Butter is a specialty product that is specifically made for use with stencils. This is a lustrous medium that spreads easily and is less prone to running and bleeding than paint is when put through a stencil. You can read more about Stencil Butter in my detailed product review.

Pinkfresh Studio’s Inks From Ink Pads or Reinkers

Pinkfresh Studio’s dye inks are the perfect media to use for stenciling onto paper, especially if you are hoping to achieve really bright, eye-catching ink blends. Pictured above, you can see a grouping of ink blended papers I made using the Pinkfresh Studio Horizontal Stripes Stencil plus several of their reinkers: Blue Jay, Regal Kiss, and Mermaid Cove. It would be possible to achieve the same effects using the ink pads rather than the reinkers. In either case, you’d use a sponge-tipped applicator or ink blending tool to apply the inks.

Distress Oxide Inks From Either Ink Pads or Reinkers

Pictured at the top of this pages, you scrolled past a photo of various inks and other media I used with a stencil to create a stack of pretty stenciled backgrounds to use for scrapbooking layouts, junk journal pages, art journal pages, and handmade cards. Distress Oxide Inks were among the supplies I used to make those stenciled images. I prefer to use the Distress Oxide reinkers for this purpose, but it is possible to use the Distress Oxide ink pads, too.

If you want to try stenciling with inks like these, it’s ideal to use an ink blending tool, foam applicator or foam brush, along with Pixie Spray.

So there you have it: Those are my best suggestions for what paint to use with stencils, along with some other suggestions for stenciling media that will work better than paints do with stencils. I hope you like these ideas! Thanks for visiting.

Learn More About Stencils and Stenciling

• All About Stencils
• How to Use Stencils
• Christmas Stencils
• Why Use Pixie Spray for Stenciling?
• 6×8 Brick Wall Stencil by Mintay

This page was last updated on 3-20-2024.