Stencil is a perforated decorative template used to transfer repeating patterns to the surface of ceramic pieces. They are placed on the piece and filled with pigments, engobes or glazes, creating a clean, uniform design when the template is removed. This technique is especially popular in the decoration of tiles, tableware and architectural pieces, where geometric or floral patterns are common.
Interesting Fact
Modern stencils are manufactured with lasers, which allows for extreme precision in the designs, but in traditional workshops they are still created by hand, keeping alive the connection with historical techniques.
Helpful Tip
Tape the stencil to the ceramic piece with soft adhesive tape to prevent shifting during application. Use a soft bristle brush or sponge to fill in the gaps in the stencil with pigment, making sure to apply even pressure for a clean finish.
