The golden rule: drier than you think

Stencil work needs paint far drier than brush or standard sponge work — almost powdery. Load a dense sponge with just a light spritz of water, then work it into the paint until it starts to drag slightly rather than glide freely. If it's still wet enough to leave a mark when pressed onto a paper towel, it's too wet and will bleed under the stencil edges.

Tap, don't rub

Hold the stencil flat against the skin, then apply paint with a straight downward tap — press and lift, press and lift — across the whole opening. Never rub or drag the sponge, as this shifts the stencil and pushes paint underneath it. Lift the stencil cleanly and directly once the shape is evenly covered.

Caring for your TAP stencils

TAP stencils are made from durable Mylar and should be handled gently to avoid bending. Rinse clean under water and wipe dry with a soft towel after use, and store them flat so they keep their shape between events.

Want the full technique, including layering a stencil over a split cake base and adding glitter? Read Leanne Courtney's complete guide, Face Painting Stencils: How to Use Them.