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Post by onethatwas on Feb 22, 2017 9:38:33 GMT
Hey everyone. So I am working on a project where stencils have become almost necessary. I have already done half the work on the project, however, and began to wonder if there is an easier way.
Let me explain where I am. I have already created (hand crafted via cutting my design through soda boxes) most of the stencils, which took a bit of planning and work. The stencils are made to replicate a pattern of a stone path...nothing too elaborate, just single stones. I have 3 pattern sets that I can use to alternate randomly as needed for my project, but need 3 more.
One thing that has come up is the strain of cutting. Is there an easier way? A solution I can look into to get these stencils created without too much strain that is causing pain? I am kinda looking into the cost of having a design sent out to a company to create the stencil, but I do not know if such a service exists, or the cost.
I know, all that for just 3 stencils? Not exactly...I plan to potentially make more stencils that would be affordable to reduce the strain my hands are experiancing.
Another question I have is how to most effectively prevent paint bleed, where excess paint seeps under the Stencil and blots. Having never worked with stencils, I am seeing some issues so far.
Anyway, any help would be appreciated!
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Post by DnDPaladin on Feb 22, 2017 9:57:20 GMT
Cutting machines like Rousseau used, the Cameo i think it was called. cheap and functionnal.
otherwise im not sure but i think laser engraver can be used to cut thru some stuff. but im not sure of that.
either way i think the cameo is your only real bet.
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sotf
Advice Guru
Posts: 1,084
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Post by sotf on Feb 22, 2017 9:58:53 GMT
For stencils, if you have or know anyone who has a silhouette cutter or similar, those work extremely well for them.
Personally, I've also found that card does not work well for stencils at all. The best thing to use for them if you're cutting them by hand is to look for the plastic, translucent folders that are often sold, they cut rather easily if you have a good, sharp knife to cut with and the edges of it doesn't soften.
Plastic stencils can also be washed off which helps a LOT in keeping the stencil working right and preventing some bleeding or smudges.
For bleeding, the best things to do is to use some decent masking tape to hold the stencil in place, and to use smaller stencils where possible. Then use a small piece of a more solid sponge with full strength paint to dab at it, no moving across the area you're painting, just touch and away. Thinned paints can run under the stencil far to easily, and motion against the surface can flex the edges...and with brushes, the bristles can get under the edges and shift things.
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Post by Sam on Feb 22, 2017 12:02:50 GMT
Stencils can be useful. How are you applying the paint? Spraying and daubing with a sponge will work a lot better than a brush. Keep the stencil as level with the work surface as you can. Try not to apply too much paint. Clean the stencil after each use, wipe down with paper towel or wipe, if they cannot be washed. Did you try reversing the stencil by turning it over? If it is a simple stone pattern this should double your variety. Will foam stamps work? DM Scotty has a pretty good video on making your own stamps. If you use stamps from foam core you can make handles with cable bundle clamps. Just throwing ideas out there.
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Post by onethatwas on Feb 22, 2017 17:40:39 GMT
I am using a sponge dab technique, but the paint I am using may be a a bit thin naturally. In the end I had to do some touch up.
Using plastic for the stencils is a good Idea, I may want to do that, though whether I am going to make use of the same pattern after this project is questionable. Still...
I may want to look online for some options here. But the help is certainly appreciated.
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Post by guillaume on Feb 22, 2017 21:35:32 GMT
do you have a pic of one of the stencil you already made?
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Post by curufin on Feb 23, 2017 16:00:30 GMT
How big are they, or how big do they need to be? Plastic? How flexible? Do you have a drawing or picture to illustrate the design(s). Just thinking out loud...is it something that I could 3d print for you and just toss them in the mail for you?
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sotf
Advice Guru
Posts: 1,084
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Post by sotf on Feb 23, 2017 18:48:07 GMT
How big are they, or how big do they need to be? Plastic? How flexible? Do you have a drawing or picture to illustrate the design(s). Just thinking out loud...is it something that I could 3d print for you and just toss them in the mail for you? 3D printing is not that useful for stencils, they need to be rather thin and able to flex quite a bit so that you can shape them to the surface you want them on. A cutter is a far better option for one.
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Post by curufin on Feb 23, 2017 18:57:11 GMT
How big are they, or how big do they need to be? Plastic? How flexible? Do you have a drawing or picture to illustrate the design(s). Just thinking out loud...is it something that I could 3d print for you and just toss them in the mail for you? 3D printing is not that useful for stencils, they need to be rather thin and able to flex quite a bit so that you can shape them to the surface you want them on. A cutter is a far better option for one. You can print incredibly thin and flexible stuff with a 3d printer. I think it could be perfect for a stencil because you can make complex shapes the would be difficult to cut.
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