Avoiding Stencil Bleed & Quick Fixes

• The key to avoiding paint from bleeding under your stencil is not flooding your design with too much paint. If you would like a deeper color, add a second layer of paint 2-3 minutes after the first layer is dry. Shake pen well, depress tip on a napkin and lightly go over the first layer.
• If the ink does bleed under the stencil, use a cotton swab for a quick fix. If the paint is still wet, dampen one side of the swab with water (if it has already dried, dampen swab with rubbing alcohol or Lysol®️). Rubbing away the bleed alternating between the wet and dry side of the swap until you are happy with the result.
• Another way to clean to stencil bleed is to use the black pen in our 12 pack. Simply wait until your design is dry and paint over the color that has bled with the black pen.

Using & Storing Paint Pens

• Whenever your paint pen seems to be running dry, shake well and press the tip on the chalkboard to release more ink.
• To keep pen ink from drying in the tip, always recap right away and store horizontally.
• If your ink will not flow through your pen tip, paint may have dried in the tip. Remove the tip from the pen and submerge in a small cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) for 10 minutes. Rinse with water, pat dry and place back in the pen body.

Storing, Cleaning & Fixing Bent Stencils

• Always store stencils flat.
• If a stencil gets bent, you can use an iron to remove the crease. Turn iron onto the lowest heat setting. Place stencil on your ironing board with the white side facing you. Cover stencil with an old t-shirt or thin cotton rag and run iron over the t-shirt quickly 2-3 times. Let stencil cool before using.
• It is not necessary to clean your stencils, but if you would like to keep them pristine, wipe after use with rubbing alcohol or Lysol®️.
• Old cookie sheets are a great way to store your stencils. The Dollar Store sells a 11" x 14" steel cookie sheet that is perfect for organizing stencils and keeping them flat.

More Tips for Cleaning Your Chalkboard

• If you don't have an eraser sponge, use an old toothbrush.
• For easiest ink removal, do not let your design stay on your board more than 4 weeks and keep out of direct sun. If your design has stayed on your board for longer than one month, simply let the Lysol®️ sit longer than 5 minutes or apply a second coat of Lysol®️ to any tough spots. You can also use rubbing alcohol (70-90% Isopropyl Alcohol- the higher the percentage the stronger the solvent power to dissolve the ink) or acetone.