Men and women need to know what to look for when purchasing parking lot stencils. Three things must go into the decision-making process: the material used for the stencil, the thickness, and the edge distance. What do individuals need to know about these attributes?

Material

When researching a stencil manufacturer, learn what materials they use in the making of the stencils. The preferred material continues to be low-density polyethylene plastic (LDPE), as it is strong and flexible. Cleaning the plastic takes little time, as any overspray pops off when dry. Avoid high-density polyethylene because it lacks flexibility. Low-density polyethylene plastic conforms to the parking lot surface, as well.

Many manufacturers offer cardboard and countertop stencils. However, cardboard cannot be easily cleaned. Countertop material stencils won't bend, and cleaning them requires a significant amount of effort. They never come completely clean regardless of what a person does. This could lead to a loss of quality in the paint job. Stay with LDPE to avoid these issues.

Thickness

Thin stencils often move around, negatively impacting the finished paint project. Furthermore, they often won't lay flat on the surface. As a result, the paint may make its way under the stencil and the paint job won't have neat edges. Finally, stencils often include bridges designed to hold letters and symbols in place. The bridges on thin stencils tear easily, which can lead to the need for a replacement stencil. Purchasing thicker stencils prevents these issues.

Invest in 1/16" or 1/8" stencils. Professional paving companies need to choose 1/8" parking lot stencils, however, to ensure they hold up to repeated uses. In fact, some companies find they can use the same stencils for more than a decade with no problems.

Edge Distance

Consider the overall height when purchasing stencils of any type, including custom stencils. Ensure there is ample room around the markings to catch overspray. Many people prefer a three-inch margin around the markings to prevent problems. Furthermore, this margin increases the strength of the stencil. Nevertheless, consider the brush stroke at this time, as you want to ensure the finished paint job is balanced and the height and width of the markings are proportional.

Never choose stencils based on price. Although companies need to save money, inexpensive stencils typically don't hold up to repeated uses. While the company spends less at the time of purchase, they pay more in the long run as they must purchase replacements frequently. Invest in quality stencils from the start and save money over the long term.