Frequently Asked Questions about Stencils
1) What materials can a stencil be made out of?
2) What is the difference between oil board and Mylar?
3) How long does it take to make a stencil?
4) How should I provide artwork for my custom graphic or logo?
5) What if I want a certain typeface on my stencil?
6) Why is it important to specify the maximum space my stencil must fit into?
7) How big will the border be?
8) What size characters are available?
9) How large can my stencil be?
10) What is a "stencil wheel"?
11) How will my stencil be shipped?
Q - What materials can a stencil be made out of?
A - We have oil board, Mylar, and sandblast mask material available.
Q - What is the difference between oil board and Mylar?
A - oil board is an oil treated cardboard that is .015" thick. We use oil board primarily for single use applications and non-complex graphics. Mylar is a plastic like material that is .010" thick. We use mylar for stencils that must be used several times and complex graphics or type less than 1/2" high.Q - How long does it take to make a stencil?
A - Stencils containing standard fonts will ship within 48 hours. Stencils containing custom graphics are usually completed within 3 to 5 working days after receipt of your art work or samples.Q - How should I provide artwork for my custom graphic or logo?
A - Artwork can be supplied on disk or e-mail in a black and white .bmp format (PC based). If this is not possible you can fax a sample to us, however this will likely result in higher artwork charges. If this is not possible, you can even hand draw your design and we'll make it work.Q - What if I want a certain typeface on my stencil?
A - We can modify any font for stencil use. We will insert appropriate connector pieces to hold the letters together. See our font guide for our standard font selections.Q - Why is it important to specify the maximum space my stencil must fit into?
A - Stencils can be very deceiving. It is impossible to calculate the overall length of a line of characters and most people underestimate this dimension. We have the ability to stretch and shape the text to insure that it fits your project both horizontally and vertically the first time.Q - How big will the border be?
A - We normally provide a 2" border on top, bottom, and sides for over spray. You can order stencils with a larger border if you desire.Q - What size characters are available?
A - A 1/4" character is the smallest size we can cut. Any fractional or decimal size above 1/4" and up to 44" can be ordered. Multiple character sizes may be cut on the same stencil. See our pricing guide.Q - How large can my stencil be?
A - There is no maximum size (we have cut stencils 64' tall by 194' long). We make custom characters, logos, designs, etc. for buildings, parking lots, athletic fields and more. Stencils larger than 44" by 30" will be tiled and you can assemble them like a jigsaw puzzle.Q - What is a "stencil wheel"?
A - Stencil wheels are custom made in Mylar and are excellent for one time jobs. Words or phrases are made one character at a time by dialing up the selected character in a window and spraying. They are available in a variety of sizes from 1/2" to 4" in various letter/number configurations. See stencil wheels for more info.Q - How will my stencil be shipped?
A - UPS ground is our standard shipping method.Q - Are there other charges?
A - We have a $15.00 minimum per total order. There is a $10.00 charge for assembly of large stencils (larger than 44" by 30"). There may be a one time artwork charge of up to $35.00 (depending on complexity) for computer time required to convert logos, designs, etc. to graphics suitable for stencil use.Q - How can I pay for my stencil?
A - We accept Visa, Master Card and American Express. You can pre pay for your order with a personal or company check (order will not ship until check is received by us). We will also ship your order C.O.D. (charges apply). Resellers and hi volume customers are welcome to set up a charge account.
Q - Can I get other stencil supplies from Custom Stencils?
A - We carry the Marsh line of stencil supplies. We have fountain brushes and rollers, stencil inks and sprays in many colors and stencil machines in 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", and 1". See our product guide.
Custom Code / Mark - Cleveland, Ohio 44107
Toll Free (800) 875-3010 - Facsimile (216) 227-0606