Tag: stencil problems

Feathering happens when a stencil is not completely seated before the over color is sprayed.

When applying stencils, the easiest way to prevent this is with some prior planning as far as stencil placement goes. The stencil material used in Cerakote is Avery Dennison SF100-235, which is high heat paint mask. The material is fairly thick, which means it does not stretch much. One example of prior planning would be when stenciling an area such as the raised portion of the lower, where the bolt catch attaches. Use a larger stencil piece that will fit over the entire area instead of trying to fit a smaller piece and getting it to go up and over the raised area.

Another tip with feathering is that if your basecoat is a light color, just before spraying use your hands to reseat any stencil edges that have released from the surface. Generally dark colors don’t give you this problem. 

Also keep in mind that when you’re working with stencils, try to spray at a 90° angle to your stencils. Spraying at any other angle can cause the stencil to lift, giving you the feathered look.