Purchase your preferred stencil design and paint. If you wish to stencil a wall, you will want to use craft or house paint. If you wish to stencil an article of clothing, chose a fabric paint. Decide if you want to make your pattern a single color or a variety of colors. A stencil of a horse may benefit from the use of two colors to add definition.
Clean the surface to be stenciled, and allow it to dry.
Use masking tape to apply the stencil to the appropriate surface. Add an extra layer or two of tape surrounding the stencil to avoid accidentally painting the wall or an article of clothing.
Pour or squirt the first color of paint on a paper plate. Dip your paintbrush in the paint, and apply paint to the desired area. If you are applying only one color of paint, you can simply run your paintbrush down the entire length of the stencil until you have completely covered the wall with paint.
Allow the paint to dry, and add another coat.
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for each desired color of stenciling. Make sure to clean your paintbrush between colors.
Allow the paint to dry completely before you remove stencil. Remove the masking tape slowly. If you wish to apply a design to multiple surfaces, wash off the stencil and allow to dry before repeating Steps 2 through 6.