Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Sketch Studio may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend.
The material you cut a stencil from decides how long it lasts, how sharp the edges are, how it lines up and how you can cut it. A stencil for one T-shirt wants something very different from one you'll use on forty wall panels.
This guide compares four common stencil materials, explains the differences that matter, and helps you pick the right one for the surface and the number of uses.
Quick comparison
Comparison of the products recommended in this guide
A set of 24 Mylar stencil sheets, 12 x 12 inches, per the listing; Sold for cutting machines such as Cricut, so check that your machine can cut this thickness
Letter-size freezer paper sheets with a plastic coating on one side, listed as printable; The coated side is pressed onto fabric with a warm iron to hold the stencil down
If you will use the same design again and again, spend more on a durable plastic film like Mylar. If it is a one-off, adhesive vinyl, freezer paper or card is cheaper and often gives cleaner edges. A stencil that gets used once rarely pays back the extra cost of a heavy-duty material.
How you will cut it
Thick plastic is difficult to cut by hand, and not every cutting machine can cut it. Vinyl and paper cut easily with a knife or most machines. Check your machine's list of supported materials, and the blade it needs, before you buy a roll of anything.
Keeping paint from bleeding
Bleed happens when paint creeps under the edge of the stencil. Adhesive vinyl and freezer paper stick down, so they bleed least. For loose materials like Mylar or card, a light repositionable adhesive spray and very little paint help a great deal. See our large stencil guide for painting tips.
Size, panels and lining up
For designs bigger than one sheet, split them into panels with Panel Mode. Clear materials make lining panels up much easier, because you can see the finished paint through the stencil. Whatever you choose, check that your sheets are big enough for the panel size you plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a reusable stencil?
Polyester film, often sold as Mylar, is the usual choice. It is tough, washable and clear, and it holds up to repeated use.
Is Mylar the same as acetate?
They are both clear plastic films, and the names are often used loosely in craft stores. Check the product description for the actual material and thickness.
Can a cutting machine cut Mylar?
Some can, with the right blade and settings, and others can't. Check your machine's list of supported materials. Vinyl and paper are easier for most machines.
What is the cheapest stencil material?
Cardstock or stencil board for a few uses, and freezer paper for fabric. They are cheap but wear out quickly, so they suit practice and one-off projects.
More from Sketch Studio
Panel Mode — split a big design into real-size panels
Image to DXF — get a DXF outline for laser and CNC machines
Permanent, removable, heat transfer and printable vinyl explained: which type to use for mugs, walls, shirts and signs, and what to check before you buy.
