Stencil Information
A large range of Australian made stencils to help create bespoke painted furniture, faux stencilled tile floors, stencilled fabric and walls. Let your imagination run free and create unique finishes. Choose from French signs, vintage style, tiles, mandalas, borders and even shaped stencils.
Gemini Creative stencils are laser cut 10 mil Mylar®.
I find 10mil thickness as it is a good all-round thickness, suitable for both paint and plaster projects. I also have stock of 7.5mil if you prefer a thinner stencil.
Stencil Usage Rights
– Stencils can be used on commercial projects.
– Stencils can be used for classes.
– Stencils cannot be hired out.
– All stencils are copyright and cannot be copied or duplicated in any way.
Stencil Information
– Mylar® is a registered trademarked product by Dupont Tejin Films.
– Mylar® is PET and its generic name is polyester film.
– Melinex® and Hostaphan® are two other trademarked names of the same polyester film, by different companies.
Therefore if you see stencils listed as polyester film, Mylar®, Melinex® or Hostaphan® it is the same material.
– high tensile strength, making it strong and therefore thin bridging pieces are less likely to break.
– translucent making it easy to align repeat patterns as you can see the previously painted area.
– smooth surface, so the stencils are easy to clean.
– tolerates very high temperatures, so your stencils will not melt if washed in very hot water.
Stencils on different sites are listed in different units of measurement, listed here are the conversions.
– 14mil = 14 one thousands of an inch = 0.355mm = 355um (micron)
– 10mil = 10 one thousands of an inch = 0.25mm = 250um (micron)
– 7.5mil = 7.5 one thousands of an inch = 0.19mm = 190um (micron)
– 5mil = 5 one thousands of an inch =0.127mm = 127um (micron)
Stencils are best stored flat and not rolled.
It is advisable not to stack or store stencils together unless there is something between each stencil. Many stencils have loose intricate segments that can tangle together when stored directly next to another stencil.
Some storage ideas
– Folders with pockets are good as you can flip through the folder and clearly see each stencil.
– Pocket style photo albums.
– Hang stencils. I use a portable clothes rack and skirt hangers to store large stencils. I like to add a large piece of paper with each stencil on the hanger to prevent it tangling with the stencil next to it.
Stencils do not have to be cleaned unless they start to clog the holes and alter the stencil design. However, most crafters do prefer to clean a stencil after each use. It is also essential to periodically clean a stencil on large projects when a stencil is used repeatedly. If using a stencil to repeat a design on hot days, stop every now and then and have a look if the paint is drying and starting to crust along the edge of the stencil cut out segments.
If a stencil is used once it can be wiped down immediately to clean. If used repeatedly, or left to the end of the project and the paint has dried. I find soaking the stencil in mild soapy water for a short while to soften the paint helps with removal. I then gently use a kitchen sponge, or kitchen dish cleaner brush and gently remove the paint. Take care cleaning stencils to not bend any flexible parts of the design as it can damage the stencil. The stencil can be hung with a peg to dry or pat dry.