Purchase Instructions
Size of Stencils
ProStencils will be sent in the sizes indicated in the stencil library unless you
specify a size change. The example below shows how the size of stencils is determined.
Sizes can be changed to meet your specific needs. They can be changed proportionately
(i.e. same % change in both width and height) or disproportionately. If you need
a disproportionately scaled design, keep in mind how the object will look. Many
organic designs (i.e. flowers, leaves, etc.) can be disproportionately scaled moderately,
without adverse results. We will scale to your specifications to any size without
an additional design charge. There may be a slight price change simply based on
the changed stencil size.
Your specifications can be by percent or actual size needed. When ordering, you
can specify both the width and height or specify only one of these. If you specify
only one direction, the other will be changed proportionately. Keep in mind that
the larger the change in size, the greater the change in the detail lines. Some
designs may require some modification to make them look proper at the size requested.
In these cases a design fee may be appropriate depending on the amount of redesign
work necessary. You will be notified of any such charges prior to such redesign.
In all cases we can email or fax you the revised look for your review and approval.
The size “indicated” has been determined based on having an imaginary box placed
around the stencil and touching the outermost part of the stencil on each of the
four sides.
Ordering stencils for painting, decorative concrete finishing, sandblasted wood,
sandblasted tile or sandblasted stones is relatively easy.
These materials are all such that the design can only be viewed from one side because
the material is opaque. This simplifies the decision process related to the proper
way to order a stencil. If you order a stencil as you see it in our designs, that
is how your it will be sent and that is how your project will look. You can also
order your stencil to be mirrored if you want your project to look opposite how
it is shown. If you want opposing corners, simply order one regular and one mirrored.
Stencils can also be resized proportionately or disproportionately but keep in mind
that the detail lines also get larger or smaller. As long as there is no redesign
of the stencil required, there is no layout or redesign fees for the size change.
However, there can be a price change because of the size difference in the stencil.
Frequently there is no charge if the size difference is minor. We will be glad to
provide the exact price if you contact us and explain the size you would prefer.
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Regular
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Mirrored
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Resize
Proportionately
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Resize
Disproportionately
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Types of Sandblasting
Ordering stencils for sandblasted glass and doors has more considerations but these
examples and our order form will help ensure that you get the stencil cut the way
you need it for your project.
The same stencil can be used for either a positive or a negative sandblasting. The
result is only determined by how the stencil material is weeded (picked).
- Positive blast- background is clear and the design is sandblasted
- Reverse, sometimes called negative sandblasting, where the background is
obscure and the design is clear.
View
Sandblasted designs are best viewed with the sandblasting is on the opposite side
of the glass from the primary view side. For simplicities sake we will call this
the “back side” of the glass. Thus, on a pantry door that goes between the kitchen
and a pantry, the preferred view side is from the kitchen. This means that the sandblasting
should be done on the side of the glass that faces into the pantry. If the sandblasting
is to be done on this “back side” of the glass, the designs should be mirrored.
You may want to mirror the design simply because that is how you want it to appear.
Some designs seem to have a better balance depending on the hinge location. This
may mean that you want to order the graphic parts of the design as they are shown
and order the text, or preformatted word, as mirrored.
We realize that this is a little confusing so have included some examples to help
you. Our order form for “door stencil components” may seem lengthy but it gives
us a way to also analyze what you are doing on your project and try to catch any
errors in ordering. If we feel the order may be incorrect, we will contact you.
Even though we try to make this analysis, please understand that it is your final
responsibility to order the stencils correctly.
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Blast from front of glass (regular as shown in library)
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Blast from back of glass (mirrored)
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Blast pair of doors (1st regular, 2nd with opposing corners and mirrored)
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Some designs seem to look better if the greater weight of the design is on the hinge
side of the door.
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Design in library
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Hinges right side of door (order design mirrored, any wording mirrored)
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Hindges left side of door (order design normal, any wording mirrored)
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Full vs Components
Ordering full door stencils versus the component stencils needed to make up a full
door design
A door design, as shown in the Door Design Library, may include up to six different
stencil components. It is usually less expensive to order the components than it
is to order one large stencil for the entire door. The reason is the amount of resist
material that is required. In the case of negative, also called reverse, sandblasting
the majority of the glass is sandblasted opaque so any part of the door that does
not have a design feature will not have a resist on it. Therefore, if you purchase
a full door stencil for a negative sandblasting, most of the resist will be pulled
off and thrown away before blasting. It therefore makes sense to use stencil components
in this instance.
When using components, you frequently have to add in the border lines. A quick,
easy and inexpensive way to do that is to use ⅛ inch and ¼ inch wide automotive
masking tape. This 3M green tape can be purchased at your local automotive paint
store or can be ordered using our order form.
If you are doing a positive sandblast, the entire piece needs covered except for
the design areas. In this case the better choice is to purchase a full door stencil
and then just weed the design areas. You can use components but must make certain
all of the glass is protected unless part of the design. If borders are part of
the design, you must also determine if it is really cost and quality effective to
cut them by hand. Some design features also lend themselves better to using full
door stencils even if negative blasting. Using an oval border is a good example.
It is also generally better to use full door stencils when doing shading or dimensional
sandblasting – or at least in the area where you will be sandblasting.
This information and the Order Form should help you determine the proper way to
order your stencils. However, If you have any questions please
Contact Us.