Learn how to stencil on a canvas bag
Have you been wanting to learn how to stencil on a canvas tote? It’s actually super easy! Make it an even more fun with a DIY CANVAS TOTE PAINT PARTY. I’ve put together this DIY canvas bag craft kit to make it even easier. There’s no guess work for you. Just choose your stencil and I’ll send you everything you need to make your party a hit!
If you love this tutorial you’ll probably love this other stenciling project I did a tutorial on. I show you how to make a custom name canvas and it is one of my most popular posts on my blog AND one of the most popular craft kits I sell in my Etsy shop.
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What’s included in the DIY canvas tote craft kit?
If you don’t purchase the kit here’s what you’ll need
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stencil
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sponge
A tip before you start… to get the best outcome you will want to use a contrasting paint color so that your colors really pop.
Ok, let’s get started painting on this canvas bag.
1. Flip your stencil over so that the white paper backing is facing up. Then using your vinyl squeegee {burnishing tool} rub the stencil backing.
2. Slowly peel the paper backing away from the stencil and transfer tape {the blue & clear pieces}. GO SLOW and work from one corner across to the corner diagonal from it. Another tip is to peel it away at a very sharp angle, it helps to glide it across itself.
3. Flip you stencil over so that the sticky side is facing down. Now place it on your bag. Use your vinyl squeegee to help press it to the bag.
4. Slowly peel off the clear transfer tape. Use the same technique that you did when taking off the paper backing. GO SLOW and peel from corner to corner at a very sharp angle
5. Run your finger along all the exposed areas of your stencil. This will help control the paint bleed and keep it minimal. If there are any air pockets just press them out with our finger or squeegee.
6. Before you start painting you need a barrier between the two layers of your bag so you don’t have paint bleeding onto the other side. You can do this by placing a plastic bag inside your canvas bag, making sure it is in the same place as the stenciled area.
7. Put a small amount of your paint colors on your paper plate. Using a stenciling sponge LIGHTLY dip the bottom of the sponge into your paint. Dab it off. You want VERY LITTLE paint on your sponge. Too much paint will cause paint bleed.
8. Using an up and down pouncing motion apply the paint with the stenciling sponge onto the exposed areas of the stencil. You do not want to rub or make a back and forth motion. This will force the paint up and under your stencil. Repeat this step until you have painted all the exposed areas inside your stencil.
9. After you have your entire stencil painted it’s time to peel it up. You do not need to wait for your paint to dry for this step. Just like you peeled the paper backing and transfer tape, start in one corner and peel to the opposite corner. Be sure not to drop your stencil material on your bag as you peel. Use your xacto knife to take up all the middles out of your design. THIS STEP MUST BE DONE BY AN ADULT.
10. After your design dries REMOVE the plastic bag. It is best to seal your design with heat prior to washing it. You can do this by simply ironing it, do not iron directly on the painted area always use a pillow case or tea towel between the iron and your design.
