Stencil Printing
A creative, cost-effective way to turn ideas into crisp, repeatable prints on tees, totes, posters and more. Whether you’re exploring what stencilling is or comparing it with screen printing stencils, our print specialists make it easy to plan, proof and perfect your design. Expect clear guidance, free visual mock-ups for total accuracy, and rapid UK delivery with express options when you’re on a deadline. With decades of experience, you can create with confidence from first sketch to final stencil.
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What is Stencil Printing:
Stencil printing could be compared with screenprinting in that only your design will be visible and a different material will be used to block out the areas which you do not want to be seen. Both methods follow the process of applying ink or paint through an open area and onto a substrate.
In screen printing, a treated screen is exposed to UV light which means the ink will only go through the area of the custom logo or design. This requires a relatively expensive set-up and expertise in the process. Stencil printing, on the other hand, can be done using a home printer, a cutter, paper or card and some imagination! stencillin, it is broken down below, and it is a fun and easy way to get started with custom designed prints.
The Stencil Printing Process:
1. Make your design
Create your design using a graphics package, for example, Photoshop or Illustrator (Word will work for simple designs and text!). Compare the size of the design with the surface area you will be printing on and size it accordingly. Some examples or ideas you could do would be custom printed t-shirts, custom printed backpacks, posters, walls, the possibilities are endless!
2. Print onto thick paper or card
We recommend printing the design in black and white so you can better identify the areas that you will need to cut out. Ideally, if your printer allows, you want to print stencils onto thick paper, card or poster board. This will allow you to re-use your stencil and make it easier for you to cut it out. Using a printer stencil makes this even easier if you plan to repeat the design.
3. Cut-out the design
In Stencil Printing the white part of the stencil is called the positive whilst the black part is called the negative. Using a blade or a cutter, cut out the black part of the design or the negative so you are only left with the positive. You need to try to cut in an unbroken line and follow the perimeter. If you have a complicated design then you may have to be creative and use some extra lines to make sure you don’t lose any details. This is an essential step in how to create screen printing stencils or even how to make a stencil for silk screen printing.
4. Get creative
Once you have your stencils (positive and negative) then you are ready to get creative and begin printing with stencils . Simply place the stencil in the position you want and fix it down with some tape. We recommend putting some cardboard underneath the area you are going to print so you are printing onto a hard and flat surface.
You can now experiment with letter stencil print ideas, try 3D print stencil methods for texture, or even look into how to make a screen printing stencil for more intricate designs. Advanced users may want to explore silk screen printing stencils, stencil screen print tools, or learn how to make a screen printing stencil with different materials like acetate or mylar.
More Printing Techniques
If stencil printing sparked ideas, there are plenty of other ways to bring your artwork to life - each offering different textures, colour effects, durability levels and price points. Compare finish, feel, care guidance and ideal order sizes. Share your design, garment type, quantities and deadline, and we’ll recommend the best-fit process to keep lines crisp, colours bold and your merch ready for real-world wear.
Additional Screen Printing Techniques
Go beyond the basics with our enhanced options that add depth, texture, opacity and special effects. Tailored to your fabric, artwork and budget. Compare finish, durability, care guidance and typical order sizes. Share your design, garment type, quantities and deadline, and we’ll recommend a setup that keeps edges crisp, colours consistent and your pieces built for real-world wear.
