Create the Ultimate Recess Fun with a Game Circle!

How to Paint a 20-Foot Alphabet & Number Ring Playground Stencil

Overview

This guide will help you create a bright, fun, and educational Letter & Number Ring on your playground using the Stencil Ease 20-Foot Stencil Set.

You can keep it simple by painting just the outlines and numbers in one or two colors, or take it a step further by painting the letter and number squares in alternating colors for a bold, engaging look.

We recommend using 2 or 4 bright colors for maximum visual appeal.

Materials Needed

• Stencil Ease 20 Ft Game Circle Playground Stencil Set (8 Stencils) Tip: Unroll stencils and give them time to flatten while you are preparing and cleaning the area (or better, even overnight).
• Exterior marking paint or traffic paint
• 1.5 gallons total for all square interiors (if painting colored squares)
• 8–10 cans of aerosol paint for outlines
• 10–12 cans of aerosol paint for letters and numbers
  
• Painter’s tape (for securing stencil pieces)
• Paint roller and 2-inch angled brush
• Roller trays for each color (large paper plates can work in a pinch)
• Paper towels and some pieces of used cardboard for masking.
• Measuring tape and chalk line
• Protective gloves and mask (if desired)
• Cleaning rags and mild detergent
• (Optional) Black traffic paint for priming older asphalt

Step 1: Prepare, Measure and Mark the Surface

1. For the best results, paint on recently resealed asphalt. A fresh sealcoat provides a smooth, uniform surface that helps paint adhere and appear vibrant.
2. If resealing isn’t possible, prime the area using black traffic paint to create a clean, even base for your game circle design.
3. Sweep or power-wash the pavement to remove dirt, dust, or debris.
4. Allow it to dry completely before painting.
   
5. Use a chalk line to mark the center of the circle from top to bottom. Will need to be more than 20 ft long. 

Step 2: Position the Stencil

1. Place the “A” section of the stencil at the top of your layout. There is a mark on the top and bottom of the stencil where it should align with the chalk line.
2. Add the next stencil directly alongside it so the edges touch, then tape them together at the top and bottom.
3. There is another set of reference marks on the  N stencil for the bottom of the ring. 
4. Complete the Circle by placing and taping all eight stencil pieces until the circle is complete.
5. Secure the stencils with tape and weigh down with something heavy (like bricks) to hold the stencils firmly in place so they don’t move or shift while painting.

Step 3: Painting Options

At this stage, you can choose between two approaches:

• Step 3A – a quick and simple method, painting only the outlines, letters and numbers, leaving the background blank so the pavement shows through.
• Step 3B – a more detailed option, painting the background in an alternating colors first, then painting the outlines, letter and numbers.

Choose the method that best fits your time, materials, and desired look.

Step 3A: Painting Only the Outline and Letters/Numbers

1. Hold the aerosol paint can 12 inches above the stencil, spraying straight down in light, even coats.
   
2. Apply a light, even coat through the openings, and repeat until you achieve good coverage.
3. Move on to the letters and numbers.
4. If you are painting the letters/numbers in a different color than the outline (and/or each other), use a piece of cardboard to cover nearby areas to prevent overspray. 
   
5. Continue to step 6 if you want to fill in the breaks - if not, skip to step 7!

Step 3B: Painting the Interior Spaces and Letters/Numbers

1. Mark the entire outline of the design. The easiest way to do this is with a light spray of aerosol paint, though chalk can also be used - You’ll be spraying over this area again later - the goal here is just to mark the outlines clearly.
2. Once the outline is fully marked, move the stencil away from the marked area.
3. Move to Step 4!

Step 4: Paint the Interior Spaces

1. Alternate colors for each area to create a bright, playful design.
2. It’s recommended to use a paint roller for the areas you outlined. Use a separate roller and tray for each color to keep the colors clean and vibrant.

For each individual interior "square":

1. Place a pancake-sized amount of paint in the center of the area.
2. Using your loaded roller, spread the paint evenly to fill the area. Stay within the interior of the outline — this will leave about a 2-inch border that will later be overpainted by the outline color.
3. Repeat this process for each square of the same color, then switch to the next color and continue.
4. When the paint is dry to the touch (slightly tacky), apply a second coat for better coverage. This layer will use less paint than the first.

Step 5: Final Paint of the Outline

1. Once the colored squares are completely dry, place the stencil back in its original position. The painted squares should align neatly within the outlines. Retape the stencil to ensure it stays secure and does not shift.
2. Spray the numbers and letters first. Since this is the final coat, apply multiple light layers of aerosol paint for an even finish. (If you are painting the outline in a different color, complete all the numbers before moving on.)
3. Spray the outline. If the outline color is different from the numbers, use a piece of cardboard to cover nearby letters or numbers and prevent overspray.
4. Carefully remove the stencil while the paint is still slightly tacky to help prevent peeling. Take care not to drag the stencil across wet paint or step on areas that haven’t fully dried.

Step 6 (Optional): Fill In the Outline Breaks

Use the circular line-break stencil to fill curved gaps:

1. Align it over a break, spray, and lift carefully.
2. Repeat until all circular breaks are complete.

Use the straight line-break stencil for vertical gaps:

1. Align, spray, and repeat until all line breaks are filled.

Step 7: Clean and Store the Stencils

1. After use, soak stencils in water to soften any dried paint.
2. For solvent-based paints, apply a compatible cleaning solvent with a brush to loosen residue.
3. Once the paint softens, scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush to remove remaining paint.
4. Rinse clean and allow to dry completely before storing flat or rolled.
5. Store stencils in a cool, dry location for reuse.

✅ Pro Tips

• Misting stencils with water or silicone spray before painting makes cleanup much easier.
• Use a non-slip additive in your final coat for playground safety.
• Paint on a dry, calm day above 50°F (10°C).
• For long-term durability, seal with a clear outdoor coating after the paint cures.
• Keep paper towels nearby to blot excess paint and maintain crisp edges.