Do you want to make a pochoir print from home?
Pochoir is an old printing technique that has been used for centuries. It’s simple and fun, but it can be difficult to learn if you don’t know how to do it.
This guide will show you everything you need to know about making your own pochoir prints at home!
The Pochoir printmaking process follows these simple steps:
- Create a stencil decoration and put it over a single surface
- Paint on it using preferably acrylic colors
- Place the surface on a press and put a transfer paper on it
- Roll the press to transfer the surface to the paper in a mirror effect
You will learn all of the basics of this beautiful art form, including where and when it originated, what tools are needed, and how to create your first print.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete understanding of pochoir – so get ready for some creative fun!
Keep reading if you want to get started with Pochoir printmaking today!
What is Pochoir Printing?
Pochoir printing is a popular form of screenprinting that uses small, stencil-like tools to apply multiple colors of paint directly onto the surface.
The word “Pochoir” comes from the French words meaning “to paint with small points.” It’s an old technique that originated in China and was popularized in France during the 19th century.
A skilled artist can use this technique to create beautiful images on paper and fabric without screens.
But it’s not limited just to paper or fabric.
You can use pochoir printing to add your artwork to almost any surface, including glass, plastic, and metal. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination (and the depth of your wallet if using precious metals like silver).
In the following paragraph, we’ll cover the basics of how it works and show you some examples.
How to Make Pochoir at Home?
Pochoir Printmaking requires basic materials to start:
- Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan acrylic paints;
- Soft brush
- Stencil brush
- Foam rubber sponges
You can easily get them to your local groceries or in some print shops.
Let’s begin with cutting a leaf of paper to obtain a specific pattern or shape and put it over a blank paper.
Bring the Cyan acrylic paint and start to apply it to the edges of the pattern, using both the soft brush and the sponge, depending on the result you want to achieve.
Once finished, remove the stencil paper and let the lower one dry. If you want to make further corrections, just bring back the stencil and put it on it.
Let it dry, and keep experimenting with other shapes!
For more examples, we’ve posted two interesting videos below!
Pochoir History
The word “Pochoir” comes from the French for “pouncing”, meaning “stamping”, which is how it was originally created.
Its roots can be traced back to 1855 when some french students created an outline with a printing press and then applied color with a brush. After this, many other methodologies evolved to create pochoir: mounted metal stencils, stencil plates and screens, and silk screen printing.
One of the most popular methods of Pochoir is to use silkscreens, which originated in Japan.
This technique of applying color to the paper without gradation or mixing by hand with a paintbrush was first utilized by French artists. They immediately turn to use stencils and pochage (overprinting) to create their own techniques for putting up designs and logos.
The term "Pochoir" was coined as a result.
This practice became obsolete when it was replaced by screen printing techniques which allowed for more complex prints with detailed colors and gradations.
Artists who used the pochoir technique include Matisse, Alexandre Calder, Chagall, Miró, and Picasso.
Pochoir has also been adapted to create Type C (Copies) posters by its original design method. The process includes applying color to the poster with an airbrush, adding white paint to make the image appear printed on paper.
What is Pochoir Monotype?
Pochoir monotype is essentially the same as the regular pochoir-the main difference is that instead of drawing with ink on paper, you draw with paint on a plate or metal surface, then print the design onto paper.
Monotype is both more difficult to master and more versatile than regular pochoir!
When you’re working with pochoir, the image is limited to the pre-drawn lines (hence why it’s so popular for t-shirts). With monotypes, you have much more freedom.
For the purpose of this example, you can use a hot glass or plexiglass and start painting it with watercolors.
Then, place it over the press and put the transfer paper on it.
Cover it and start rolling the machine to transfer the colors to the paper.
When you remove the paper, the magic will happen!
You will see your artwork fully transferred in a mirroring effect.
Leave it to dry for one night, and that’s it!
You’ve just created your brand new Pochoir print, completely homemade!
Pochoir Prints & Home Decor (Tips!)
Poichor prints are great as home decoration, as they can brighten up your room with class.
Here are some helpful tips to help you decide where to put your pochoir print home decoration.
- The first tip is to use the same color scheme as your room. For example, if you are using dark browns and oranges for your home decoration, it would be wise to avoid a red pochoir print.
- Another helpful tip would be to place prints in the center of the wall or above your headboard.
- Also, if you are decorating a formal room, don’t use artwork with text. Instead, better choose pochoir prints with simple shapes and patterns.
- Lastly, we suggest using contrast to get the most out of your pochoir print decoration. You may achieve this effect by placing prints in odd numbers above a piece of furniture.
Conclusion
With the help of this blog post, you should have all the knowledge necessary to make your own pochoir-style print from home.
It doesn’t matter if you are making an art piece with friends, teaching kids about creating art, or simply enjoying drawing when it suits your mood.
Pochoir stencil printing is an original way to express yourself through creativity!
There are many ways to get started, and we’ve outlined some of these so that you can decide which one will work best for your needs.
Keep reading our informative content as we explore all the different ways you can make prints at home with ease and creativity.
Also, don’t hesitate to contact us in the proper form below.
Let your pochoir printmaking journey begin!
