They were not always neatly applied in theatre. The Army Stencil Kits had a stencil brush similar to a shaving brush and the paint was "patted" on.
Temperature and lack of thinner made for messy work.
Oh, and don't forget to use Gasoline Soluable Stenciling Enamel.
The open paint can was placed on a water bucket to keep the dirt and leaves from sticking to it.
44 MB 356378- 54 M-38A1-41 CCKW 352-51 M-37-42TW6-45MBT-43 M1 BOMB LIFT (WEAVER)- RECORD SETTING HONOR GRADUATE Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics School, U.S. ARMY 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL 1962 - MVPA 1064 - RED BALL CHAPTER - PHONY VETERAN HEADHUNTER - ARMY FIXED & ROTARY WING MECHANIC/CREWCHIEF-STILL FIT WARBIRD COCKPITS