Many elements will honestly look far better and cleaner with face painting stencils (like clouds, stars, tiny hearts or leaves). Additionally, stencils can add a fun textural element, wording, or simply cut down on the time you have to spend painting a design.
There are more and more professional brands producing stencils for face painting now. But how do you know which ones you really need?
Don’t worry! You will find the answer in this article! 😃
Our experts from the International Face Painting School narrowed the line of must-haves to the minimum number, yet picked up the most versatile, popular and handy stencils!
And for your comfort, we’ve provided each product with a direct affiliate link to our partner face paint store JestPaint.com, which is one of the leading stores in the face painting industry.
But before we begin, here is a link to the premade collection with all tools ready to buy from one place!
Our Must Have Stencils >>
~ Quick Navigation Content Guide ~
- Choosing the Right Face Paint for Stenciling
- Face Painting Stencils for Beginners
- Extra Face Painting Stencil Templates for Professionals
- Themed, Seasonal and Halloween Stencils
- Setting Up and Organizing Your Stencils
Choosing the Right Face Paint for Stenciling
Both waxy based or glycerin based face paints are good for stenciling. But most important is the consistency of the paint for a good stencil application.
Sticky consistency is necessary for waxy paints and dry consistency for glycerin based paints.
Load your sponge thoroughly with paint by rotating it on the surface, then finish by dabbing the paint for a few times.
The paint in the container should be already dry and when you lift the sponge you will notice tiny spikes on the paint, which means that you have the right consistency.
How to Use Face Painting Stencils
Once you have the correct paint consistency there are two key elements needed for flawless application of stencils.
Firstly, you have to hold the stencil on firmly to the skin so that it does not move. This is especially important for bigger stencils and when layering stencils.
Secondly, use a dabbing movement for applying the paint through the stencil. This will avoid leaking under the stencil.
Dragging moves can be used for dry paint consistency and can create a translucent effect, but require more practice to ensure there is no bleeding or smudging.
For a fun multicolored background load your sponge with a one-stroke combination from a large split-cake and dab repeatedly for a consistent color transfer.
Getting a crisp and clear application of the stencil is only part of the job. Placement and design composition is just as important for effective stencil application.
Don’t be fooled! Stencils aren’t always the easiest option, especially for beginners. Just like any other technique, you will need to practice and master the steps to achieve the best results. If not, a poorly applied stencil can really muck up your design!
Selecting the Best Applicator
There are a few options for applying paint to stencils depending on the paint used.
Sponges: I find low porosity dense sponges the best for stencils, because they do not absorb the paint too much and keep it on the sponge surface. This also helps to dose the amount of used water.
An example of these sponges are Kryvaline black sponges, although I recently discovered that petal sponges by PaintPal and Mehron also work great for stenciling.
Sponges are great for applying one-stroke colors to a stencil allowing for fun rainbow or gradient color effects over larger stencils (great for mermaid scales).
Finger Daubers: are small compact sponges that fit on a plastic base onto your finger or are attached to a wooden stick. Finger daubers are high-density sponges that work great for stenciling.
Their smaller sizes allow you to do more detailed work and get more thick paint on the sponge with less water so that nothing leaks under the stencils and ruins the design.
Smoothie Blenders: small dense sponges on sticks that are primarily used with dry paints such as Starblends.
They allow for greater control when stenciling (less likely to go outside the stencil) and less likely to cause bleeding as the paint is dry.
For everything you need to know about sponges check out our blog “Choosing the Right Face Paint Sponges”.
Airbrushing: a specialized technique for applying stencils using an airbrush machine that effectively sprays a fine mist of liquid paint over stencils.
Great for large stencils, more control and a fine, even coverage but at a big initial investment.
Techniques: Airbrush vs. Sponge/Brush
Airbrush and sponge application are two popular methods for applying face paint through stencils. Each has its own unique benefits and considerations:
Airbrush Application
Pros:
- Smooth and Even Coverage: Airbrushes provide a very smooth, even layer of paint, which is difficult to achieve with a sponge.
- Speed: Airbrushing can be quicker for covering larger areas.
- Detail: Fine details can be achieved with airbrushes, especially with stencils, as the paint is sprayed in a controlled, consistent manner.
- Hygienic: The airbrush doesn’t directly touch the skin, reducing the risk of contamination.
- Professional Finish: Often results in a more professional-looking finish with gradients and shading.
Cons:
- Equipment: Requires an airbrush machine, compressor, and specific airbrush paints, which can be expensive and cumbersome to set up.
- Skill Level: Takes practice to master the technique and control the spray.
- Cleaning: The airbrush equipment requires thorough cleaning after each use to prevent clogging and ensure longevity.
- Setup and Break Down Time: Takes more time to set up and clean compared to sponges.
Sponge Application
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Simple and straightforward, making it accessible for beginners.
- Cost: Sponges are inexpensive and widely available.
- Versatility: Can be used for various textures and effects by using different sponge types and techniques.
- Quick Cleanup: Sponges are easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Coverage: May result in less even coverage, especially on larger areas.
- Detail: Achieving fine details can be challenging compared to airbrushing.
- Time: Can be slower for large areas as compared to airbrush.
- Contact: Direct contact with the skin can be less hygienic if sponges are not properly cleaned between uses.
Summary
- Airbrush: Ideal for achieving smooth, even coverage with fine details and gradients. Suitable for professional work where precision and speed are crucial but requires investment in equipment and practice.
- Sponge: Great for beginners and those seeking a cost-effective and simple application method. Offers versatility but may lack the fine detail and smooth coverage of airbrushing.
Both methods have their place in face painting, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the design, the painter’s skill level, and the available resources.
Face Painting Stencils for Beginners
We’ve narrowed it down to only 5 stencils for a beginner’s kit! We picked up the most popular and most versatile stencils that will help you enhance your designs even if you are a pure beginner!
This Scales texture stencil is the first must-have of your kit! It will take your dragons, snakes, dinosaurs, monsters etc. to a totally new level in no time!
1. Bad Ass Mini 1005 – Face Painting Stencil – Scales
Here are two examples of how you could use the Scales stencil. Both of these designs have been created by the International Face Painting School instructors and the T-Rex one is studied in the School.
Next, we highly recommend you to purchase three of these Ooh! Stencils — one with snowflakes, one with stars and a tribal one. The half-circle shape of these stencils makes them fit perfectly around the eyes and on the forehead!
Use this stencil for all those wintery and Frozen designs. Frozen is a BIG THING in face painting and you will certainly get plenty of requests for it, no matter what time of the year it is!
2. Ooh! Face Painting Stencil | Snowflake Wrap #1 (W07)
By the way, check out our two stunning tutorials using snowflakes stencils: Arctic Ice Princess Step-by-Step by Kristin Olsson and “Frozen” Elsa Step-by-Step by Elodie Ternois.
Mike Tyson set the trend for tribal eye designs with his recognizable tattoo. But painting a tribal freehand may take A LOT of practice and will still leave room for improvement on small wiggly clients.
Therefore, invest in this Tribal Wrap stencil! It will be a hit and will make your life so much easier!
3. Face Painting Stencil | Tribal Wrap (W14)
As you can see from this design by the French School instructor Elodie Ternois, this tribal wrap stencil will also make a great addition to many other boy designs! Go for it! You won’t be disappointed!
Another super popular stencil that works perfect both on boy and girl designs and is super versatile is the Stars stencil!
We recommend this Star Wrap from the Ooh! Company because it’s super easy to fit on the temple, the tips of the composition are already made for you in decreasing stars size and you can use it literally anywhere!
4. Ooh! Face Painting Stencil | Star Wrap (W02)
Last, but not least, we recommend you invest in this very popular Skull with Crossbones stencil. Just because painting it freehand takes forever! And it is so versatile!
You can use it on top of a pirate bandana, or on the arm of a little one, or as cheek art. Boys just love it!
5. TAP 044 Face Painting Stencil – Skull with Crossbones
Extra Face Painting Stencil Templates for Professionals
Now, if you are looking into becoming a professional face painter, you may need a couple of extras that will make a difference in your work and will help you stand out from the crowd.
First, we highly recommend this super versatile face paint stencil kit by Lea Selley, aka the Tattooed Lady. It literally has any texture you may need for decorating almost any design! It’s a must-have in Olga Murasev’s kit too!
6. Ultimate Graffiti Eyes Stencil Kit
Check out how creatively you can actually paint entire faces by using only a split cake, a sponge and some main colors. The stencils make it all! The clouds and the stars in this rainbow fairy design (that is part of the curriculum) have been all stenciled and there is almost no brush painting, which makes it super easy to accomplish even for a newbie!
And also, take a look at our Face Paints Buying Guide to find out what is the best split-cake for rainbows!
This Henna Bits stencil by Diva became one of the most popular stencils in the face painting community! Invest in it, you won’t regret!
7. Diva Stencils | Face Painting Stencil | Forehead Henna Bits (00648)
Use it to fill in the negative space around the design as Elodie Ternois did with her Simba design, or add it as a texture on top of a kitty cat design like Kristin Olsson did. Also, you can stencil an entire mask or eye design by using just this one single stencil! It is super versatile and you need it in your life!
For example, Diva and Ooh! Stencils provide our students with an exclusive 10% discount!
Want to know how to join us? Take a Class here!
You’ve already seen the dots texture in the Graffiti eyes stencils kit. This bigger version is also a very versatile one and is an essential stencil for a professional face painter’s kit.
8. Bad Ass Mini 1206 – Face Painting Stencil – Dots
Kristin Olsson uses this Dots stencil a lot in her work and so does Olga Murasev!
One more super useful and versatile set of stencils is this Organic Collection by HAS.
9. Half Ass Face Painting Stencil Set – Organic #0
Check out how creatively Kristin Olsson used the leafy stencil to break down the edge of the sponged one stroke. And the textures added to the butterfly wings and kitty cat forehead and cheeks transfer these designs to a totally new level! And all that in seconds!
Themed, Seasonal and Halloween Stencils
Now, if you are looking for specific stencils that will save you over the most popular holidays of the year, we’ve prepared a list of the Seasonal essentials for you!
And first, we’ll tell you what you need to rock it this Halloween! 🎃🦇
This TAP Halloween stencil collection is the best choice! Bats, Jack o’Lantern, Graves, Ghosts, pumpkins… all you need is covered in this collection!
10. Galaxy TAP Face Painting Stencil – Halloween
This Fairy Fun easy face painting template stencil by Diva became one of the most popular stencils recently! Use it on the forehead with fairy wings painted over the eyes, or as cheek art, or create a hand-art design. It’s super simple and girls adore it!
11. Diva Stencils | Face Painting Stencil | Fairy Fun (00441)
Our next stop is mermaids! We recommend these two face painting stencils.
One with the Mermaid silhouette, that you can use like the fairy stencil and the other one with lovely shells and swirls to use on the forehead and temple areas in Mermaid crown designs.
12. TAP 094 Face Painting Stencil – Sunbathing Mermaid
13. Diva Stencils | Face Painting Stencil | Forehead Seahorse Band (00476)
Last but not least, you may need a set of unicorn stencils. Just because unicorns are so popular now! Use the horn stencil in the middle of the forehead to help you get that right pointy shape with your unicorn mask easily!
14. TAP 103 Face Painting Stencil – Unicorn Horn with Stars
This unicorn silhouette face paint template stencil is one of Elodie’s favorites!
15. Ooh! Face Painting Stencil | Unicorn Storm (R01)
Elodie Ternois, our “unicorn queen” instructor shows how easy you can create amazing designs with this unicorn silhouette stencil!
Take our Free “Improve your linework in 3 days” Online Workshop and we’ll prove it to you!
Setting Up and Organizing Your Stencils
Stencils are such a great addition to designs however they can be a real pest to keep organized on the job. We’ve got some of our top tips for storage, displaying on the job, and cleaning.
Preparing Stencils for Use
The key consideration when storing your stencils is to keep them separate, easy to spot which one you need, secure on windy days, and able to dry easily between uses.
We’ve seen some really creative solutions to storing stencils on the job and share some of our favorites below.
How you store your stencils on the job will largely depend on your wider set up. Those with cases may choose a magnetic or velcro solution on the lid of the case, or a cut pool noodle (made from foam) on the side or top of the case.
If you don’t use a case you could consider a bottle drying rack (Boon grass is popular), a pool noodle on a kitchen towel holder, or even a slinky toy inside a container!
Yes these are all creative solutions shared by face painters on-line. We love the creativity and ingenuity of our profession.
Storing and Cleaning Stencils
In between jobs store your stencils flat in a folder, case, or CD / Photo album to reduce the risk of damage.
When it comes to cleaning your stencils on the job it’s necessary to do this between customers for two reasons – hygiene and clean application.
As with brushes and sponges, stencils also touch the skin. It is recommended that stencils are cleaned between customers for best hygiene practice.
Secondly, stencils are often applied on top of face paint and if that paint layer isn’t dry you can get paint on the underside of your stencil. Not ideal if you then try to put it on another face.
Cleaning your stencil between uses reduces the risk of unwanted paint transfer.
To clean your stencils on the job, clean them as soon as possible after use, before the paint dries. Wipe with a wet wipe or a clean cloth/towel. Leave to dry hanging or in a drying rack.
For persistent stains soaking in soapy water at home and gentle scrubbing can do the trick.
Was this article useful? Check out our other guides on TOP Face Painting Materials: