Composite Stencils, Methods of Making, and Methods of Decorating with Composite Stencils

A method of making a composite stencil for applying paint to a surface in decorative patterns, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a sheet of support material having first and second sides and configured to allow paint to pass therethrough;
• (b) preparing the sheet of support material to receive a stencil mask;
• (c) applying a stencil mask material to one surface of a transfer carrier in a pattern defining masked areas and open areas;
• (d) applying the transfer carrier and stencil mask material to the first side of the prepared sheet of support material such that the stencil mask material bonds with the support material to form a stencil mask;
• (e) applying a releasable adhesive to the second side of the support material generally in the pattern of the stencil mask;
• and
• (f) applying a selectively removable sheet of protective material to the second side of the support material covering and protecting the releasable adhesive.

A method of making a composite stencil comprising the steps of:

• (a) supplying a filmic release carrier;
• (b) applying a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive to a side of the release carrier;
• (c) applying a stencil mask to the pressure sensitive adhesive in a pattern that defines masked areas and open areas;
• (d) applying an adhesion layer to the surface of the stencil mask;
• and
• (e) fusing a textile support sheet to the adhesion layer.