Stencil Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are ProStencils?
A. ProStencil is simply our name for our computer generated stencils.
Q. Why use stencils?
A. They greatly reduce labor time and costs. Even with the price of the stencils
considered, they make sandblasting on designs on glass, stone, tile, etc. very profitable.
They are also useful in faux painting and staining concrete.
Q. Doesn’t work created with stencils look like they were created with stencils
– possibly a little stiff and klunky?
A. No!! ProStencils have all of the grace and attributes that can be attained by
a skilled craftsperson using a line drawing and a knife. Virtually anything that
can be drawn in line drawing format can be made into a stencil.
Q. Doesn’t the use of stencils detract from or limit my design and creative abilities?
A. Definitely Not! You are still the creative force behind the use of stencils.
You can even have stencils made from your designs. What the stencil does is to provide
you the ability to do much more work in less time.
Q. Are ProStencils reusable?
A. No. The qualities that make ProStencils look so good are the line details and
floating pieces – i.e. the centers of the letter “B”. Because of this, our stencils
are for one time use. The good news is that you don’t have to take the risk of destroying
the stencil when removing it and trying to save it. Also the pricing is such that
it is very cost effective to use these even if they are one-time-use stencils.
Q. How are ProStencils made?
A. Stencil materials are either a vinyl film or thin rubber based material that
comes in rolls and is self-adhesive. These rolls have two layers. The top layer
is the stencil material. The second layer is a paper or plastic “backer”. A machine,
known as a plotter/cutter, is driven by a computer to use a specialized knife blade
to cut a design through the stencil material but not into the “backer”. A third
film, called “transfer tape” or “application tape”, is applied to the front of the
stencil prior to being used. This is usually done by the company that supplies the
stencil but can also be easily done by the end user. The purpose of the “transfer
tape” is to hold the stencil together after the backer is removed. This “transfer
tape” has a low tack adhesive and comes in either clear plastic or a tan tape that
looks similar to masking tape. We generally use the clear application tape on vinyl
to make it easier to see the design when applying the stencil. The tan tape is used
on the rubber resist as it holds the rubber pieces better during application. The
application tape comes in many widths and can be reused several times if it is carefully
removed and “stored” by adhering to a clean surface until needed again.
Q. I’ve seen other similar materials promoted for faux painting and concrete staining
that sound like stencils but have a proprietary name. Some companies also call them
“decorative masking patterns”. Is there a difference?
A. They are basically all stencils. The companies of those that have proprietary
names are trying to build brand loyalty by using those names. The real keys are:
- Does it work for you?
- Price
- Quality
- Service
Q. Can the designs be changed or resized?
A. Yes - Each stencil is cut based on your order so you can make modifications to
fit your project. Many changes can be made without any change in price. A design
fee is charged if the basic design has to be modified. Our hourly design fee rate
is very reasonable but the total cost is based on the time required. It is significant
to note that our minimum design fee for custom work is only $20.00. This is significantly
less than the minimums charged by some other stencil providers.
Q. Can I order stencils from my own designs?
A. Probably. The best way to tell is to send a copy of your artwork to us and we
will give you a definite answer or suggestions on how it can be modified to work.
Q. What is the cost to have my design made into a stencil?
A. Cost is driven by the time required to input your design. The better the artwork
– the less the cost. The best artwork is a very clean line drawing. Photographs
are usually the worst type of artwork. Keep in mind that lines must be specific
and that “sketchy” looks or graduated shading does not work. If you have specific
questions – Contact us.
Q. How soon will I receive my stencils?
A. We try to ship all stencils within 3 business days. We normally ship by Priority
Mail or FedEx ground. We are located in Northern California so, depending on your
location, transit time usually takes one to five+ business days. If you need expedited
or overnight service just let us know.