Stencil Metal

" CONTENT=" "> ">

This is a relatively simple project using a precut stencil.
Both positive and negative elements of the stencil are used.
A computer cut stencil using Paint Mask Vinyl was used for this job
but any stencil material will work.
Try hand cutting your stencil from card or acetate and use
repositonable spray adhesive to hold the stencil components securely in place.

A simple metal effect is achieved using only 2 colours, Black and White.

Using black and grey, complete the banding effect by
strengthening the light to dark contrasts.
Apply white, black and grey until the desired metal effect is achieved.
Once you are happy with the overall effect, begin replacing
the earlier removed stencil components,
leaving only the "beveled" edge exposed once again.

Once all the stencil parts are back in place
it is time to strengthen and define the "beveled" edge
and create some thickness and three dimensions to the metal object.

Using black and grey, spray small banding around the "beveled" edges.
Follow the directions as indicated in the picture.
to create a darker banded metal effect.

Remember your imaginary light soutce? Using black and grey,
shade the beveled edge according to that light source.

Now add a fine white highlighting line to indicate
each corner angle of the beveled edge.
Make some corners stronger/brighter according to the light source.

Using black and white,
strengthen the light and dark banding on the beveled edge.
The "edge" will be much busier and deeper in colour than the
face of the object to provide a good visual contrast.

Refer to the light source again and add a few highlights to the bevel.

Once you have achieved the desired "metal" look, its time to remove all
the stencil components exposing the entire artwork.

Add some starburst highlights to complete the reflective effect.
[Create starbursts by aiming and spraying a soft highlight dot.
Start spraying at that dot, and carefully taper out 4 lines creating the star,
Now respray the center dot, pulling back as you spray
to enlarge and soften the glowing center dot.]

With many stencilled and mask artworks,
you will experience stencil leakage or underspray,
if the stencil or masking is not secure to the work surface.

In this case I was able to use some of these "undersprays" as the
starting point for starburst highlights and hide the mistakes!

Final check for any cleanup areas or touchups.

Now a coat of protective clear.
(In this case a matte or low gloss clear that matched the existing finish.)

...and the artwork is ready to hand over to your customer!

With the stencil now in place, you are ready to paint.
Start by spraying straight white evenly throughout the exposed areas.
A light coat is all that is needed to create contrast for the "bevel".
Start thinking about your light source, areas of the "beveled" edge
can be sprayed lighter or darker in relation to that light source.

Next, carefully remove the remaining stencil components
and expose all areas to be painted.
Remember to save the removed stencil parts for re-use later!

A simple metal surface effect is achieved with
parallel banding of light and dark colour.
The banding can be positioned at any angle (not just horizontal)
but remember to keep the banding parallel.

Experiment with different thicknesses and spacing of the banding.
At the same time you are attempting to evenly coat the entire area with white
The contrasted "beveled" edge and banded areas will show through as
stronger, more opaque areas of white.
The goal is to create all over transparent bright white coverage
that retains the contrast and definition of different areas.

title

www.outlawzairbrush.com

Dave "AirDave" Winfield is the owner and head painter of Outlawz Airbrush and owner of Outlawz Art.
Located in Southern Ontario, Canada, Outlawz offers a wide array of art services including
Airbrushing Instruction for beginners and hobbyists. A self taught Airbrush Artist with over 15 years
of experience, Dave and his artwork have won numerous Automotive related awards.

AirDave Outlawz