Available Materials
Stencil Materials – Built for Performance, Precision & Durability
Choosing the right stencil material makes all the difference — from clean paint release to long-term durability. Here’s a breakdown of our range, so you can match the material to your job with confidence.
HDPE is our most popular and versatile stencil material — and for good reason.
- Paint doesn’t stick – let it dry, flex the stencil, and it flakes straight off
- Extremely durable – handles rough use without cracking or bending
- Self-correcting – if it warps in storage, a bit of sun will relax it back to shape
Most commonly used thickness: 3mm
3mm HDPE (Black)
- UV-stable thanks to carbon content — ideal for outdoor use
- Tougher than metal in impact situations (no permanent bending if dropped)
- Can get hot in direct summer sun
- Can be upgraded to a Sticky Stencil with embedded rare earth magnets for hands-free use on ferrous surfaces
1.5mm HDPE (Black / Natural)
- More flexible — perfect for smaller or curved applications
- May have a natural wave in the sheet
- Black = UV stable
- Natural = more economical but less UV resistant
1.5mm & 3mm Sheet size: 2400mm x 1200mm
1mm Polypropylene (Poly) – Detail Specialist
When precision matters, Polypropylene steps in.
- Ideal for fine detail and small lettering
- Cleaner laser cutting for delicate designs
- More economical option
Note: Paint will adhere to the surface (unlike HDPE), and it’s less flexible than 1.5mm HDPE.
Sheet size: 1200mm x 600mm
0.3mm Polyester / Mylar / Acetate – Ultra Flexible Precision
Perfect for high-detail, delicate applications.
- Maximum flexibility – conforms to uneven surfaces
- Ideal for airbrushing, artwork, and cake decorating
- Produces crisp, clean finishes
Requires careful positioning to ensure full contact with the surface.
Roll width: 1000mm
0.8mm Magnetic – Hands-Free Convenience
Designed for speed and ease on metal surfaces.
- Sticks directly to steel — no need to hold in place
- Great for bins, drums, and repetitive marking jobs
Considerations:
- Less durable than other materials
- Paint sticks to the surface — pre-spray with WD40, silicone spray, or Armour All to improve release
Roll width: 600mm
Galvanised Steel – Heavy-Duty Reliability
Our go-to for robust, solvent-resistant applications.
1.1mm Galvanised Steel
- Extremely durable and highly solvent resistant
- Paint can be scraped off once built up
0.55mm Galvanised Steel
- Thinner and more flexible
- Ideal for rolling or shaping around objects
- Slightly easier to damage but excellent when formed to shape
Sheet sizes: Various
1.2mm Stainless Steel – Precision Meets Hygiene
For high-precision and specialised environments.
- Excellent for small, sharp lettering
- Available in:
- 304 grade (standard)
- 316 grade (food & beverage safe applications)
Important Note on Metal Stencils: Due to the heat involved in cutting metal, intricate designs are not recommended — they may distort during the process. For detailed work that involves a lot of cutting, plastic-based materials are a better choice.
Quick Material Guide
- Best durability: 3mm HDPE
- Best for detail: 1mm Poly, 0.3mm Polyester or 1.2mm Stainless Steel
- Best for flexibility: 0.3mm Polyester / 1.5mm HDPE
- Best for metal surfaces: 3mm HDPE Sticky Stencils & 0.8mm Magnetic
- Best for harsh environments: Galvanised or Stainless Steel
- Best all-rounder: HDPE