Fake Halftone Stencils – when white becomes color
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
There are different approaches to creating a stencil. This article focuses on a technique where multiple layers are sprayed using only one color (white). By overlaying the layers, a fake halftone pattern is created — an optical illusion that simulates depth and shading without using actual gray tones.
Planning
As always, the first question is: what motif, what size, and how many layers?
For formats up to A3, the process remains simple and manageable. The desired portrait is printed ten times in grayscale on 200–300 g/m² paper at a local copy shop.
One print serves as a reference and is pinned directly to the wall above the workspace — always in view, so the original motif can be seen in context while cutting the stencil.
Technique
The stencil begins with a black layer (Layer 1) — everything is built on this base.
The following layers are created step by step, from the darkest to the lightest tones:
Layer 2 shows the darkest gray before 100% black. Not only is this tone cut out, but also all lighter areas.
Layer 3 follows the same principle: the next gray tone is cut out, all lighter areas disappear, while the darker areas remain as a mask.
This process continues up to Layer 6, which contains only the lightest areas: highlights in hair, eyes, and beard. This layer is the only one to receive full color.
Since the darker areas also receive a slight spray mist from the overlapping layers, a final layer is added to restore some depth to the darkest areas (eyes, nostrils, mouth).
Conclusion
This type of stencil is effective, fun, and time-saving — perfect when you need to work quickly or don’t want to carry many cans. Despite its simplicity, it produces a striking look reminiscent of photographic halftone patterns, and using only one color can achieve surprisingly vivid results.
The Result:
More Examples
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