When most people hear the word stencil, they usually go back
in their minds to an art class they had in high school, where they used a craft
knife and rubber to make a stencil print. This is not usually a good
introduction to this versatile tool, as it can make the process of stencils
seem messy and even inconvenient to use.
In the real world, many interior designers use stencils to
add a touch of glamour to a room with ease, as they can be made into any shape
or size that may be needed. And with the use of 3D printers, as well as laser
cutters, it is now possible to have a stencil that has a very intricate shape
that can be used time and time again. Great!
However, if you are new to the world of stencils, whether it
is in a design setting or in the workplace, you may want to know a bit more
about them before you use them. And this article aims to guide you through
their use, their advantages, and even the different types that exist. So,
enjoy!
Why Use Stencils?
This is a good area to start with. When it comes to creating
a sign or wanting to make a bold and beautiful pattern in your home, why should
you opt for stencils?
In recent years, a lot of companies like www.stencilease.com have
aimed to make the use of stencils more accessible for everyone, whether they
are interior designers or school administrators who want to ensure that there
is a fire exit sign sprayed in the right place. And it is even possible now to
work with design companies to create your very own stencil design, which will
be made to a high standard, and can be used in your home, your place of work,
or wherever!
But, as mentioned before, stencils are not simply cut-out
shapes made of rubber.
Materials
If you have ever worked with young children, you may
associate stencils with being made of foam.
However, in actuality, whether they are used for decorating
the interior of a home or being used to signpost a bridge for workers, there
are many different materials that stencils can be made from.
If you are using paint, ink, or another material to mark the stencils, you will need to make sure it is compatible with the material
that the stencil is made from. Or else, you may have a tough time removing the
paint from the stencil, which could make it harder to use effectively in the
future.
So, what are the most commonly used stencil materials?
Mylar
This is a type of plastic film that is known for its
durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemicals. It is often used
for stenciling walls,
furniture, and other surfaces in a home or business.
Cardboard
This is a common material for creating stencils as it's readily available and easy to cut to the desired shape.
Cardboard stencils may not be as durable as other materials, but they are often
used for one-time projects.
Metal
Metal stencils are highly durable and can be used for a
variety of projects, including wall art, furniture painting, and floor
stenciling. They are often made of aluminum, brass, or stainless steel, and, as
you may have guessed, they have a longer lifespan than many of the other
materials on this list, but they are also often more expensive. They are
commonly used in the area of industrial work.
Adhesive vinyl
This is a reusable material, easy to cut and apply. It is
used for stenciling walls, furniture, and other surfaces in a home or business.
Plastic
This is another common material for stencils, as it is durable, easy to cut, and resistant to heat and chemicals. Plastic stencils can be used for a variety of projects, including wall art, furniture painting, and floor stenciling. They can be used in industrial spaces too and are easy to manufacture due to low costs.
As well as decorating stencils, there are many that you may
be familiar with that are used by builders and construction workers.
These are generally hardier, usually made from metal, and
are aimed at making identifiable signs around an area like a construction site,
with an emphasis on safety.
Types of Stencils
You may think that there is only one type of stencil; the
one that is made from some form of plastic, that has been cut to shape, and
that you use with paint.
However, in settings like construction, stencils need to be
hardier and may be made differently, as well as being suitable for usage with
different types of paint, ink, and other materials.
With that in mind, what are some of these stencil types? And
where are they more likely to be used?
Hand Stencils
These are small, handheld stencils that are used to apply
designs or lettering to a surface. These are often made of plastic or metal and
can be used with paint, ink, or other marking materials. They are ideal for
applying small signs that may need to be placed around a working construction
site, with the aim of them being removed.
Laser Cut Stencils
These are stencils that are cut using a laser cutter. They
are highly precise and intricate and can be used for a variety of art-based
projects, including circuit board stenciling, glass etching, and metal
engraving. These are not as commonly used in industrial settings, but there is
a lot to be said about the cost-effectiveness of these stencils in an
industrial setting.
Spray Stencils
These are stencils that are used with spray paint to create
designs or lettering on a surface. They are often made of thin, flexible
material such as mylar and can be used for graffiti, street art, and
advertising. But, as you may have guessed, they can also be used in
construction and are one of the most common types that are used.
Bridge Stencils
These are stencils that are used to apply designs or
lettering to a curved or irregular surface. These stencils are often made of plastic or
metal and can be used with paint, ink, or other marking materials. As before,
these are very commonly used in industrial circles and on building sites to
mark areas for demolition.
The Advantages of Stencils
At this point, you may have already been sold on the idea of
using stencils to mark your home or your workplace.
But, there are many advantages to go through, which will
showcase how truly nifty they are.
Consistency
Stencils can be used to create consistent designs, logos, or
lettering on products, packaging, or equipment. This can help to ensure that a
company's branding is consistent across all of its products and materials.
Efficiency
Stencils can be used to quickly and easily apply designs or
lettering to a variety of surfaces. This can save time and labor costs compared
to other methods of marking or labeling, as you don't really need any training
to use them! Just try to make sure you place them the right way up before applying ink or paint.
Flexibility
Stencils can be used on a variety of materials, including
metal, plastic, wood, and more. This makes them versatile and useful for a wide
range of applications.
Cost-effective
Stencils can be used multiple times, which can save money on
materials compared to other marking methods, such as decals or custom-made
signs. They can also be made using laser cutters or even 3D printers, driving
the construction costs down even further and allowing them to be mass-produced.
Safety
As mentioned before, in some industrial settings, stencils
can be used to clearly mark safety information or warnings on equipment or in
high-traffic areas. This can help to improve safety for workers and reduce the
risk of accidents or injuries.
Aesthetics
Stencils can be used to create a professional, polished look
in the workplace, which can be important for making a good first impression
with customers or clients.
And Finally, How Do You Use Them?
Luckily, there is no real science to using stencils
correctly.
However, it can be worth having a basic idea of how to use
them, so you can ensure that when the pattern or image is sprayed onto the wall
or other surface, it will stay there.
To use any kind of stencil, you must first place it on to
the surface to be marked and then paint or apply ink over the stencil, leaving
the desired message or design on the surface.
That's easy enough, but be sure to use the right kind of
paint or ink with the correct stencil type to prevent bleeding or smudging.
Also, in relation to the wall or surface that the image or
sign is being sprayed onto, you will need to make sure that it has been
prepped. This may require you to clean it, repaint it, sand it, and allow it to
dry to make sure that the paint from the spray or brush does not dribble or
bleed.
Try to make sure that a newly painted design or sign is
allowed to dry for at least 24 hours.