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View Full Version : Stencils 101 *airbrush tutorial* BF 2142 Mod



Commando
05-08-2007, 12:05 AM
Stencils 101.

Stencils or masks can give you wicked effects in airbrushing. The trick that is played on the eyes is that the sharp edges of the design automatically catch the eye and define the image. Check it out.

http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20021.jpg

Let's get started. I first got a clearly defined image which has well defined edges. I just grabbed an image off of Google Images. A little photoshop or any other graphics program can do this for you. Once I had the image the size I wanted it I got everything together. X-Acto knife, a couple of blades(sharp blades make all the difference in the world), some masking tape and my project surface. I'm using the panel I did for the Weathered Metal Tutorial (http://airbrushtricks.com/forum/index.php?topic=90.0).
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20002.jpg

Next I masked off the whole panel and then taped the dropped image to the top of the mask where I wanted it.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20003.jpg

Next I cut out the letters. Make sure you cut the insides of the letters first, like the B's and A's.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20004.jpg

http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20005.jpg

Next I remove the letters. This is called "weeding" because it is as precarious and as just about as much fun as it sounds. Use the blade of the X-Acto knife to start an edge and go slow.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20006.jpg

I start with a base color of white. I used Duplicolor White.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20007.jpg

Next I start with my airbrush work. I start with some Candy Blue to make some highlights.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20008.jpg

Now I use a easy technique to get a Stipple Effect. Just take something small and put it between the airbrush and the project. The paint builds up on the end and then flies off in small droplets.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20009.jpg
Of course you would use two hands but I didn't have anybody to hold the camera. I think you get the idea.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20011.jpg

Now the fun part. Removing the mask. Take it slow.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20012.jpg

At this point I use one coat of clear. This keeps the airbrush paint from lifting. Wait for the clear to dry (around 30 min for me). Now take the letters and put them back. You did keep them I hope.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20014.jpg

Now I made some drop shadows using some transparent black.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20015.jpg

Now all there is left to do is remove the letters and to soften the image using the transparent black.
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20017.jpg
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20018.jpg

Then the last step bring it together with the clearcoat. I took these pictures without the flash. It gives you a much better idea of how deep the color really is. Pretty cool huh?
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20019.jpg
http://www.airbrushtricks.com/worklogimages/Stencil/bf2142stencil%20020.jpg

Some final notes:
- There are several other ways to make big stencils like this. You can use what is called a frisket which is just one piece of material with an adhesive back. But you can see this is just as easy with masking tape.
- When working with masks and stencils like this you make your money making good cuts and taking your time. I'm really starting to learn that really cool designs have more to do with good stencil work and patience.

Cagedconnerman
05-08-2007, 12:30 AM
woo, hurray for tutorials!, looks great as always Commando.

Spacehonkey
05-08-2007, 12:37 AM
Damn you're good. When I finally get off my ass and get an airbrushing kit I'm going to sit down and remorize all your tutorials and play around with scraps sheets laying around. You make it look so easy, I hate you, just playing.

Ichbin
05-08-2007, 08:12 AM
What you ccan also do is get your stencil from a vinyl cutting place. I know the one i work at has special stencil vinyl, that lifts easier then regular vinyl. Its also kinda papery.

but then again, free is always better lol.

Commando
05-08-2007, 01:47 PM
What you can also do is get your stencil from a vinyl cutting place. I know the one i work at has special stencil vinyl, that lifts easier then regular vinyl. Its also kinda papery.

Yeah, me and Crimson were talking about that last night on Teamspeak. You can definitely get great stencils from vinyl shops. You just need to prep your artwork before you get there so they don't charge you extra. They plug it into a program and then the vinyl cutter cuts it out with wicked precision.

dfigravity
05-08-2007, 03:03 PM
+rep man...GREAT tutorial...I'm finally motivated enough to buy a kit and give it a shot...

Eclecticos
05-08-2007, 04:56 PM
:up: :up: You are the "Mannn" Damn that looks nice!
I'd Rep you up for it but looks like your about maxxxed out.

Bucko
05-08-2007, 08:03 PM
Great work again Commando! I always love clicking on your airbrushing links because I know it will be worthwhile.




I'd Rep you up for it but looks like your about maxxxed out.

He's nowhere near maxed out. Commando (and myself actually) both have another 4 green rep boxes to go before we become even close to maxed out.

Ichbin
05-08-2007, 10:06 PM
Yeah, me and Crimson were talking about that last night on Teamspeak. You can definitely get great stencils from vinyl shops. You just need to prep your artwork before you get there so they don't charge you extra. They plug it into a program and then the vinyl cutter cuts it out with wicked precision.

Also, if you are going to a graphics shop to get your stencil made...make sure your atwork is VECTORED or at least the ability to easily convert it to a vector. Thatll save TONS o' time.

onelegout
05-14-2007, 08:34 PM
Edit: whoops, I didn't realise.

H

jdbnsn
05-14-2007, 08:44 PM
It's still there and just as you left it, I'll see about getting a copy to you.

yazeed1906
07-26-2007, 03:41 AM
Highly informative ....great post