Creating with Ikonart stencils with the Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit is fun, easy, and incredibly rewarding—but one of the most important steps often gets overlooked: properly cleaning your stencil after use. Whether you're printing on shirts, wood signs, or glass, taking just a few extra minutes to clean your stencil properly can significantly extend its life.
The better you care for your stencil, the more projects you’ll be able to complete with it—and that means more creative freedom and less waste.
WATCH VIDEO: Tips for Cleaning Ikonart Stencils After Use
How To Clean Ikonart Stencils After Using Them
You just finished screen printing your project—whether it's a t-shirt, tote bag, or tea towel—and now it’s time to clean your stencil. Proper care is key to getting the most life out of your Ikonart stencil. In this blog post, we’re walking through top stencil cleaning tips. Follow these simple steps to keep your stencils fresh, sticky, and ready to reuse again and again.
1. Rinse Right Away
Don’t wait—wash your stencil immediately after use. Letting ink sit too long can make cleanup more difficult and shorten the life of your stencil. Since Ikonart stencils are reusable, taking care of them from the start makes a big difference.
2. Wet Your Clipboard First
If you’re using a clipboard to hold your stencil while washing, be sure to get the clipboard wet too. A wet stencil placed on a dry clipboard will stick like glue, which can damage the stencil. A quick spritz of water on the board adds just enough moisture to prevent that issue and gives your stencil a nice flat surface for cleaning.
3. Use a Soft Brush (Top Side Only)
Ikonart stencils are designed to work beautifully with water-based inks, which typically rinse off easily. But for stubborn spots or built-up ink, use a soft bristle brush—but only on the top (non-adhesive) side. Never scrub the adhesive side. It’s more delicate and can lose detail or tack if handled too aggressively. A gentle rinse on that side is all you need.
4. Don’t Panic if It Sticks to Itself
If your stencil folds over or sticks to itself, don’t pull—just get it wet. Water will help gently release the stencil without stretching or tearing. As long as you’ve properly post-exposed your stencil, it should handle a little extra water just fine.
WATCH VIDEO: How & Why To Post-Expose Your Ikonart Stencils
5. Stains Are Okay
Sometimes the mesh may stain after use—and that’s totally normal. Stains won’t affect your stencil’s performance as long as there are no actual chunks of ink or paint left in the open mesh. Hold your stencil up to the light to double-check.
Need a little help with stubborn stains? Dawn Powerwash is a gentle option that some crafters love. Avoid harsh chemicals and scrub pads, though—they can break down the stencil faster than you'd like.
6. Reapply the Backer Sheet While Wet
Once your stencil is clean, reapply the clear backer sheet while the stencil is still wet. This protects the adhesive side and prevents lint or dust from sticking.
Pro tip: Always return the backer the same way you removed it. That’s why many users cut a little notch in the corner or write “back” on the correct side. Ikonart backer sheets have a special release coating, so applying it correctly matters. We also offer silicone Ikonart Release Sheets if you prefer a white alternative.
WATCH VIDEO: 3 Ways To Protect Your Ikonart Stencil Adhesive for Reuse
Ikonart 101: Getting Started With Ikonart Stencils
Want to get the most out of your Ikonart stencils? Watch the full video, Tips for Cleaning Ikonart Stencils After Use, for even more tips on cleaning and care, and don’t forget to check out our entire Ikonart 101 video series on YouTube.
For even more stencil care guides, FAQs, and step-by-step learning, visit our Ikonart 101 page. It’s your go-to resource for mastering your stencil-making process from start to finish.
Caring for your stencil doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be consistent. By following these simple cleaning steps after each project, you’ll preserve the quality of your stencil, maintain strong adhesion, and enjoy clean, crisp prints every time.
Whether you're crafting for fun or running a small business, keeping your stencils in top shape is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and keep creating with confidence. If you have questions on how to make or use your Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit, head to the Ikonart Crafters Group on Facebook or reach out to the Ikonart support team.