FAQs
About our stencils
A stencil is your artistic ally in the business world. Picture a design carved into a plastic sheet. When you apply paint through those strategic cut-outs onto the surface below, a precise image unfolds, perfect for consistent, professional results!
Stencils are your go-to tool for versatile decorating and marking, ideal for home decor, crafts, and more. Unlike wall decals or stickers, stencils offer the bonus of being reusable, letting you create consistent designs time and again!
Our stencils are made from Genuine Polyester Mylar, a robust and thin plastic sheeting perfect for consistent, high-quality applications. Ideal for businesses seeking durability and precision in repeated use, it ensures professional results every time.
Most shop stencils are offered in standard sizes from A7 to A1, but we specialize in crafting custom sizes to meet your unique project needs, even up to several meters long. Reach out to us to discuss how we can deliver the perfect solution for you.
For businesses, stencils offer significant value by providing a cost-effective and consistent solution for branding, signage, and decorative purposes. Their reusability means long-term savings, and with easy cleanup using water-based paints, they remain a reliable tool for maintaining a professional image across multiple applications.
We offer 14mil stencils, providing a thicker and more durable option compared to the 7.5mil. This extra thickness ensures enhanced durability for high-frequency use, making them an ideal choice for businesses demanding longevity and reliability.
Our stencils are delivered flat-packed for smaller sizes, while larger sizes are rolled and secured in custom packaging to ensure safe and efficient delivery.
Stencil usage
Absolutely! The flexible properties of Mylar stencil film allow it to bend around curves and fit into corners effortlessly.
Yes, stencils are incredibly popular for painting on T-shirts, cushions, curtains, and a variety of other fabrics, offering endless creative possibilities!
Certainly! You can effortlessly use a stencil to craft a unique piece of canvas art.
Absolutely! Stencils are perfect for creating exciting and unique cake designs. Plus, Mylar is food safe, making it an excellent choice for cake decorating.
Definitely! We suggest using 2-3 stencils to make the job easier and faster.
If your stencil arrived rolled in a tube, it might have a slight curl.
It’s an easy fix.
- Roll the stencil tightly against the curl, secure it with tape, and leave it overnight.
- Unroll it the next day for a flat stencil. If needed, repeat. Alternatively, place it curl-side down under heavy books.
As soon as your order is ready, we will send you a "Ready for Pickup" email to let you know. If you place an order while the store is open, it will typically be ready for pickup within a few hours. If you place an order after your selected store has closed, your order will typically be ready for pickup shortly after the store opens the next morning. Store hours may vary by location.
Yes, you can, but for optimal results, make sure to stencil on a clean, smooth, and dry surface.
Working with your stencil
There are several ways to paint your stencil:
- Use a stencil brush to pounce or stipple paint through the cut-out areas.
- Opt for a dense foam roller for quicker application, especially on larger stencils.
- Try spray paint for exciting effects and speedy results.
Choose a larger brush for bigger stencils, while rollers offer efficiency for large projects. Spray paints add a creative touch effortlessly.
For a hassle-free hold, use 3M repositionable spray to secure your stencil on the wall. It's clear and leaves no residue—just a light mist is all you need. Alternatively, use low-tack blue tape (painters tape) for a professional and clean application.
A dense foam roller, also known as a gloss roller, is ideal for stenciling. Unlike standard fluffy emulsion rollers, it reduces the risk of paint bleeding under the stencil, ensuring crisp, clean edges.
Foam Roller:
- Use: Great for smooth, even coverage over larger stencil areas.
- Features: Dense foam minimizes paint bleeding, ensuring crisp edges.
Nap Roller:
- Use: Suitable for textured surfaces, like walls with slight texture.
- Features: Short nap for even paint distribution without oversaturation.
Mini Roller:
- Use: Ideal for smaller projects or detailed work.
- Features: Compact size for better control in tight spaces.
Textured Roller:
- Use: Creates unique effects and textures.
- Features: Different patterns embedded on the roller for artistic finishes.
Choose the roller that matches your project's needs for efficient and quality stenciling!
Smooth surfaces yield the sharpest results, minimizing paint bleed under the stencil. Use your stencil on various surfaces—walls, fabrics, furniture, and more—for professional, crisp outcomes every time.
Yes, you can use spray paint, but keep in mind:
- Mask Off: Carefully mask the surrounding area to prevent spray particles from settling where you don't want them.
- Ventilation and Safety: Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a protective mask.
- Distance Matters: Spray from at least 1-2 feet away to avoid paint pooling and running under the stencil.
You can use any paint with your stencil, as long as it's suitable for your surface. We recommend emulsion or acrylic paints—they're user-friendly and easy to clean off the stencil.
Yes, you can use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to speed up the drying process. Just avoid high heat, as it may cause the paint to crack or warp the stencil.
Stencil brushes come in various sizes, with stiff bristles and round heads designed for stippling or pouncing paint through stencils.
Stencil Brush:
- Use: Classic choice for stenciling. Ideal for stippling or pouncing paint through stencil cut-outs.
- Features: Round head, densely packed bristles.
Flat Brush:
- Use: Best for smooth, even coverage over large areas.
- Features: Flat, straight edge for precise applications.
Foam Brush:
- Use: Great for applying light, even coats of paint. Perfect for delicate surfaces.
- Features: Soft, absorbent foam head.
Detail Brush:
- Use: Ideal for intricate designs and tight spaces.
- Features: Small, pointed tip for precision.
Roller Brush:
- Use: Efficient for covering large stencil areas quickly.
- Features: Dense foam allows for smooth application across surfaces.
Choose the brush that suits your project's size and complexity for the best results!
As soon as your order is ready, we will send you a "Ready for Pickup" email to let you know. If you place an order while the store is open, it will typically be ready for pickup within a few hours. If you place an order after your selected store has closed, your order will typically be ready for pickup shortly after the store opens the next morning. Store hours may vary by location.
A common question! It’s best to remove the stencil while the paint is still slightly wet. This helps prevent the paint from peeling or cracking and ensures cleaner edges.
Blotchy edges can result from a few factors:
- Excess Paint: Using too much paint can cause it to seep beneath the stencil. Apply paint in light layers.
- Stencil Not Secure: Ensure the stencil is firmly adhered to the surface to prevent paint from bleeding underneath.
- Wrong Brush/Tool: Use appropriate tools like a stencil brush or dense foam roller to control paint application.
- Surface Issues: Ensure the surface is smooth and clean for best results.
Adjusting these factors can help achieve cleaner edges! Even seasoned pros experience some paint bleed, but that's part of stenciling's charm—each result is unique!
Stencil After Care
To store your stencil properly:
- Clean Thoroughly: Ensure all paint is removed and it's completely dry.
- Keep It Flat: Store it flat between sheets of wax paper or plastic to prevent curling.
- Avoid Bending: Keep it in a dedicated folder or portfolio to protect from bending.
- Cool, Dry Place: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping.
- Act Quickly: Clean the stencil soon after use to prevent paint from drying.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Use warm, soapy water for easy-to-remove paints.
- Gentle Scrubbing: For stubborn paint, gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to mild cleaning agents to prevent damage.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat the stencil dry with a soft cloth and lay it flat to air dry completely.