Can You Make My Idea Into a Stencil?
The short answer: Yes, we can turn your design into a stencil.
Whether it's a photo, logo, sketch, or rough idea, our design team can convert it into a paint-ready stencil. The real question isn't "can you make this?" but rather "what size works best for your design's complexity?"
Does My Design Work as a Stencil?
What We Can Work With
We accept virtually any design file or concept:
- Hand-drawn sketches or doodles
- Digital files (JPEG, PNG, PDF, SVG, AI, PSD, or any other file type)
- Old or low-quality logos
- Photos of artwork or objects
- Simple text or shapes you describe to us
- Even just a concept you explain—we'll design it
Customer example: "The 'CR' stamp in this photo is my art stamp on my clay sculptures. Can I have that made into a stencil?"
→ Absolutely! Send us a photo and tell us your target size.
Size Matters for Detail
Here's the key insight most people miss: Almost any design can become a stencil at the right size. What doesn't work at 3" might work perfectly at 8" or 12".
Detail preservation by size:
Under 3" stencils:
- ✅ Works great for: Simple text, basic shapes, bold logos
- ⚠️ Challenging: Intricate details, thin lines, complex logos
- Example: A Nike swoosh works at 2". Your company's detailed crest with thin lines may need to be bigger.
3-8" stencils:
- ✅ The "sweet spot" for most designs
- ✅ Works for: Logos with moderate detail, script fonts (not too thin), layered designs
- Minimum feature size: ¼" (anything smaller won't cut or paint cleanly)
8"+ stencils:
- ✅ Excellent detail preservation
- ✅ Even complex, intricate artwork works at this size
- ✅ Fine lines, small curves, detailed logos—all possible
Customer example: "I want my detailed company logo on 4" coasters."
→ If your logo has intricate details, it might work better on a 6-8" stencil instead. Or we can simplify the design to work at 4".
Customer example: "Can you make a 2 foot by 4 foot version of this complex logo?"
→ Yes! At that size, we can preserve even fine details. We'll create it as multiple pieces you assemble.
Design Complexity Guide
✅ Stencil-friendly at any reasonable size:
- Bold, clear fonts
- Solid shapes with clear borders
- High-contrast images
- Simple logos with thick lines
⚠️ Need to be sized appropriately (usually 6"+):
- Intricate logos with fine details
- Script or handwriting fonts (especially thin ones)
- Designs with many small, separate pieces
- Photos or artwork with subtle details
What we'll do: When you upload your design, we review it and let you know if:
- It works perfectly at your requested size
- We recommend going larger for better detail
- We suggest slight modifications (like thickening thin lines)
- We can simplify elements while keeping the design recognizable
💡 Not sure if your size will work? Upload your design when you order—we'll give you honest feedback before we begin the design process.
How Custom Orders Work
- Upload your design when purchasing Custom Stencils
- Our designers review your design and let you know if your size works or if we recommend adjustments
- You receive a free digital proof to approve before we manufacture
- We produce your stencils using your choice of material
- Fast shipping to your door
What makes us different:
- No minimum order—we make one or one hundred
- Free digital proof with every custom order
- Honest guidance on sizing and feasibility
- Fast turnaround times (most custom orders ship within 3-5 business days)
Planning Your Stencil Project
Size Check: Viewing Distance
Once you know your design will work as a stencil, the next question is: "Will people be able to see/read this from where they'll be standing?"
Simple formula: Minimum letter height = Viewing distance ÷ 100
Real-world examples:
- Viewed from 10 feet → Minimum 1.2" tall letters
- Viewed from 25 feet → Minimum 3" tall letters
- Viewed from 50 feet → Minimum 6" tall letters
- Viewed from 100 feet → Minimum 12" tall letters
💡 This is the MINIMUM for legibility. For maximum impact, go 1.5-2x larger.
The good news: If your design needs to be 8" for detail preservation AND needs to be 8" for viewing distance, you've found the perfect size!
Customer example: "I want a detailed logo on wood signs that people see from 50 feet away."
→ Perfect! You need at least 6" for viewing distance, and larger sizes work better for detailed designs anyway. We'd recommend 8-12".
What We Can Produce
Size capabilities:
- Minimum detail size: ¼" features (smaller won't cut or paint cleanly)
- Maximum single-piece stencil: 48" x 48"
- Larger sizes: We create multi-piece stencils that you assemble on-site
Surface & Application Considerations
✅ Best results with spray paint on:
- Wood (smooth or lightly textured)
- Canvas and fabric (tight weave)
- Painted walls (interior or exterior)
- Metal surfaces
- Concrete (smooth finish)
- Glass
✅ Other application methods that work:
- Brush painting
- Paint pens or markers
- Airbrushing
- Roller application (for large areas)
⚠️ Challenging surfaces (still possible with adjustments):
- Heavily textured surfaces (rough concrete, stucco) → Need larger, simpler designs
- Curved surfaces (barrels, mugs, round objects) → We recommend flexible mylar; expect slight distortion
- Very porous materials → May get paint bleed; use adhesive-backed stencil material
Customer example: "I want to spray paint on a stained and varnished timber barn door."
→ Excellent! Smooth varnished surfaces are ideal for crisp stencil work.
Common Project Types
Small items (hats, mugs, coasters):
- For 3.5" cups: A 4-5" stencil works well
- For 4" coasters: Keep design under 3.5" to stay within bounds
- For hats: Keep designs under 3" for best placement
- Important: Keep designs simple at these sizes—intricate logos need to be bigger
Signs & wall art:
- Indoor decorative: 4-12" letters (close viewing)
- Outdoor residential signs: 6-18" letters (viewed from street)
- Commercial/directional: 12-36"+ letters (high visibility)
Large murals & floor graphics:
- We break designs into manageable sections (24"x24" or so)
- You align and paint section by section
- Works great for complex designs that need to be huge
Customer example: "I need 12-foot tire tracks and paw prints for concrete."
→ We'll create multi-piece stencils you can leapfrog down your surface. You'll need 2 of each design.
Ready to Order? Final Checklist
You're ready if you can answer YES to these:
- ✓ I have a design (or concept) to share
- ✓ I know approximately what size I need (or I'm open to recommendations)
- ✓ I know what surface I'm stenciling on
- ✓ I'm ready for honest feedback if my size needs adjustment
Still have questions? That's what we're here for.
Request a Custom Quote — Tell us:
- What you're stenciling on (surface type)
- Where it will be viewed from (distance)
- Your intended size
- Attach your design file or photo
We'll review your project and give you honest feedback on feasibility, suggest any adjustments, and provide a quote.
Bottom line: We can make almost any design into a stencil. The question is just finding the right size where your design's details work AND people can see it from their viewing distance. Upload your design and we'll help you figure out the perfect size.