It may look as if you are wasting paint, but it is the only way to successfully load the brush. Tap the brush on a clean area of toweling to test the imprint. It is properly loaded when there is a uniform, almost powdery imprint on the towel. There should be nothing wet or sloppy because this will run under the stencil and cause a blurred and messy print. Stencils - You may not have to clean your stencil if you are only using it for a few repeats, but as extra paint adheres to the stencil, the design may be compromised by the paint buildup.
Great care is needed to clean stencils without damaging the delicate material.
Paint is easier to remove when it is fresh. One method is to lay your stencil on layers of newspaper and use a spray bottle of Formula 409 to wet the stencil, then put it back in the bag, and let it soak. It can later be washed off quite easily. You can also use rubbing alcohol and a cosmetic sponge or cotton ball to gently swirl the paint off. Wear rubber gloves and wash the stencil off occasionally.