How to Create a Stencil Graphic T-shirt Design

If you are looking for an affordable and simple way by which you can create a stencil graphic t-shirt design, then this is the information that you have been looking for. If you want a small number of t-shirts at an affordable cost, then outsourcing screen printed t-shirts to a professional is not an option. Learning this technique can help you create a small batch of custom designed t-shirts in no time at all.

This method may sound out-dated but has some definite advantages; apart from the low cost, the process is also quick and easy making it ideal for youngsters who want to wear fashionable stuff to college without spending big bucks. The products that you will need for making a stencil graphic t-shirt design are plain t-shirts of any color, spray paint, spray mount and a sharp scalpel.

It is best to create a stencil using digital methods but if you are good at drawing, you can make a cut out by hand too. The advantage of a digital print is the definite edges and also sharp clarity of the drawing. So pick out a design of your choice and make a digital print using your favorite application. An important thing to keep in mind is to plan the design ahead especially about areas that need to be cut out, split and also about negative spaces to be connected. Once the print of the desired size is ready, print it out onto a card.

The next step is to place this card inside the plain t-shirt so that it falls directly behind the chest area. Next, reverse and fold the material and stick the card into position using a tape. This is done to avoid the spray paint splattering on other regions of the shirt and will also stop paint from seeping through the front to the back of the t-shirt. The next task is to cut out the stencil very carefully using a scalpel. Take your time and do this job to ensure that you cut it out neatly. Apply a coat of spray mount to the rear area which will enable the stencil to stick down to the t-shirt and thus prevent over-spray.

After positioning the stencil, use tape and newspaper to cordon off the remaining area or else you could end up over-spraying. Thoroughly shake the spray-paint can so that the propellant gets activated and mixes well with the paint. Do a couple of test-sprays on a piece of paper before spraying the t-shirt. Slowly, build up the paint on the t-shirt by spraying a couple of times carefully. The next is the drying stage; make sure that the paint has dried completely and thoroughly before peeling the stencil away to prevent smearing. Remove the tape and newspaper and open out your t-shirt to see the beautiful graphic t-shirt design that you have created. You can experiment as much as you like with the designs and also with colors which adds to the fashion and fun element.