An Outline of Custom Stencils
Depending on your background, the term “custom stencils” will likely bring forth an abundance of different images. For some, they are a means of self-expression, allowing the user to create beautifully sharp, consistent pieces of art that are easily replicated and shared. For others, they are used as a means of branding cargo or providing safety information. This all goes to say that custom stencils are utilised across a wide range of industries and uses.
Naturally, for something that is expected to provide an identical image time and time again, the expectation of quality is very high. Lines must be clean, images must be clear, and the materials used must be durable. This is where Vector & Raster shines. Offering a wealth of professional experience in laser cutting and etching services, Vector & Raster has had the pleasure of providing custom stencils to thousands of businesses and individuals across Australia.
So, to ensure that you have all the information before jumping headfirst into the wide world of stencilling, let’s take a quick look at the uses and process of creating custom stencils!
What are Custom Stencils Used For?
As we mentioned earlier, custom stencils are absolutely everywhere. From manufacturing to more creative fields, stencils are a simple, effective, easily-replicated means of creating consistently eye-catching imagery and lettering. With that said, some of the more common areas in which stencils are used include:
- Automotive Decals
- Wall Murals
- Cake Decorations
- Signage
- Body Art
- Street Art
- Shipping
- And Many More…
As you would likely guess, not all stencils are the same. This is due to the fact that different applications are going to be benefitted by different sizings, shapes and materials.
How Do You Select Materials For a Custom Stencil?
As with any cutting job, creating custom stencils through laser cutting allows for an extremely high level of detail in your designs. It also allows for a wide array of materials and thicknesses, which will generally be determined by the stencil’s required use. For example, if stencils need to be used in an industrial setting, it’s important that the finished product is extremely durable, thick and solvent resistant. Because of this, one of the most popular materials for custom stencils is Mylar© (otherwise known as biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, which really rolls off the tongue).
Mylar© is versatile, flexible, reusable, and extremely durable, making it a perfect choice for repeated uses. However, based on the needs of our customers, other usable materials include:
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Heavy Gauge Paper
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
- And Many More…
Regardless of what you need out of a custom stencil, we at Vector & Raster are here to provide you with a finished product that is perfectly tailored to your requirements. To learn more, call us today on (03) 5783 4257, or get a quote online.