There are 24 different stencils packaged together in a single file named "Obama Stencils.zip"  
To open this file and extract the 24 "PDF" files which contain the stencils you may need to install 
a program which is available free for download at the following location:  
http://files.uberdownloads.com/7-zipe.html

    The stencil files are in PDF format which requires a free PDF reader program, which if it is not 
already installed on your computer is available for download at the following location:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html



                                ***Using Stencils to Make Obama Signs***

    Stencils for Obama signs can be made by printing the attached files on 8.5x11in heavy card stock 
paper available at Staples ($14 for 250 sheets) or at Supplies Unlimited (47 School St Damariscotta, 
207-563-7010) by the sheet. Normal copy paper becomes very weak when it gets wet with paint but it 
might work if you want to paint only a single sign.

    Print out stencil files, tape the overlapping pages together and cut out stencils with an exacto 
knife, being careful to leave "bridges" to position the center part of some letters such as "o". 
After stenciling you can paint in the letter "bridges" if you like.

    Stencil brushes work best, using a very, very light dabbing or tapping motion. Use only a small 
amount of paint on your brush. Using too much paint will cause paint to run under the stencil, 
blurring the painted edges. Regular paint brushes can also be used  but don't work nearly as well. 
Whatever brush you use, employ a light "dabbing" motion. Large stencil brushes are available at 
Walmart for $2. 

    Latex paint, being thick, works best. Oil paints are too runny. Blotting the stencil between 
uses prevents paint smearing. Taping down the edges of the stencil while painting keeps the 
stencil from moving and smearing the paint.

    The traditional colors for Obama signs are dark blue for lettering, light blue for the upper 
part of the Obama logo and red for the lower logo part.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The Maine Secretary of State requires a disclosure statement on signs, saying the following:

    "As long as you do not pay for any of the materials and the wood you are using was not previously 
used for a political campaign (e.g., someone gives you old sign from their campaign and you paint them 
over), then the only disclosure statement you need is “Not authorized by any candidate”.  You can put 
this on a label and attach it to the front of the sign if you do not want to paint the disclosure 
statement on the sign.  Just make sure that the label will not get ruined by the weather, etc and fall 
off (maybe using tape over the label will weather proof it).

    If you pay for any materials, then the disclosure statement needs to read:  “Not authorized by any 
candidate and paid for by (your name), [your street address], [your town].”