A stencil is a thin sheet of material, often made of plastic or metal, with a design or letters cut out of it. This allows paint or ink to pass through the openings, creating a specific shape or pattern on a surface. Stencils are commonly used in art, crafts, and signage to produce consistent and repeatable designs. Stencils can be used on various surfaces, including paper, wood, and walls. They are popular in graffiti art, where artists use them to quickly apply intricate designs. Additionally, stencils are often employed in decorative painting and screen printing to achieve precise results.