If it isn’t obvious by now, we love stencils. Whether you are adding personality to your home, celebrating a special occasion or even using them to advertise for your business- stencils are the perfect tool! The potential uses of stencils are practically endless and allow you to take any design and apply it to many different spaces, surfaces and projects.
Whether you are a professional designer or a DIY kind of person, you will often be faced with the question of what kind of stencil to use. While there are so many types of stencils to choose from, your most common choice will come down to this: should you choose a single-use or reusable stencil? Some of you may wonder what the difference is or how to decide which is best for your project- and we are here to help guide you through that process!
For starters, deciding which type of stencil to choose will depend entirely on how and how often you want to use it. There are advantages to each type of stencil- and hopefully this blog will help you decide works best for you and your unique crafting style. Before we decide which kind, let’s dive into why we love stencils to begin with!
Why Stencils Are So Useful
Stencils make crafting doable for any and every skill level. Whether you are a professional painter or stenciling just for fun, a stencil can help you to take your design to the next level without the time and stress of free-handing. Stencils do the work for you by giving you a professional and consistent look every time!
Stencils allow anyone to create a beautiful piece of decor- whether it is for your own home or a present for friends and family. We love seeing the crafts our clients create and are constantly amazed by the unlimited possibilities. Below, you can see an example of one of our stencils being used on a wooden board. Whether it is a simple single design or a patterned multi-stencil creation, the design possibilities are endless and beyond beautiful.
While it is often said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, we are strong believers that it is actually stencils! And trust us when we say that doesn’t just apply to girls- everyone loves stencils! If you don’t believe us that there is a stencil for everyone, take a look at our incredible selection. Pick a stencil and give it a try- we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Reusable Stencil Material
As promised, we want to share with each of you wonderful readers what these “reusable” and “single-use” phrases actually mean. Reusable stencils are exactly what they sound like: stencils you can use over and over again. We here at WallCutz choose to create our stencils using a 10milimmeter mylar which is a reusable stencil material. Why, you might ask? Here are just a few of the advantages of reusable stencils and why they are our personal favorites!
- Cost-effective: Since you can use your reusable stencils as much as you want, you will easily get your money’s worth and then some. We can’t tell you how many times we made a project and loved it so much, we made more to share! And this way, you already have almost everything you need to do so.
- Designed to last: Reusable stencil materials are much more durable than single-use stencils, meaning you can use them again and again with little risk of tearing. These stencils are designed to be easy to use, easy to clean and easy to store until you need to use it again.
- Great for branding: If you own a business and have a logo or tagline you want to put up everywhere in your store, reusable stencil materials can make that happen. So whether you are branding or gifting, these stencils go a long way.
One of our favorite examples of a classic reusable stencil is our Christmas tree collection. You can add some holiday festivity in a variety of ways each year with the same great stencils. Create a gift, decorate a stocking or make the perfect Christmas sweater- or do all three! That is the beauty of reusable stencils.
While we can go on and on about reusable stencils, the responsible stencilers in us must also admit that there some disadvantages to reusable stencils:
- Less flexible: Since reusable stencil materials are built to last, they are not as flimsy or flexible as their single-use counterparts. For all of those creative surfaces we mentioned, you may have a harder time applying these stencils to the curved or uniquely shaped canvases.
- No adhesive back: If you have never used a single-use stencil, it is important to note they typically have an adhesive side so they can easily stick to the surface you’re working on. Reusable stencils do not have this sticky side and will need to be taped down or sprayed with adhesive. A little less convenient and leaves for some extra cleanup.
Single-Use Stencils
Now although we may be biased, we can also sing praises to single-use stencils. Let’s be honest- we love all stencils! These types of stencils are designed to only be used once, but give an excellent and clean design when you do use them. Here are a couple of the advantages and reasons that we love these kinds of stencils:
- More versatile: As mentioned above, these single- use stencils have the flexibility that reusable stencils lack. They are more pliable and can be molded to perfectly fit where you need them. What you lose in reusability you gain in precision and versatility.
- Adhesive back: If you are a fan of an easy peel off and stick technique, these are your winners! Thanks to its adhesive back, single-use stencils can easily be applied to any surface and maintain crisp lines on your designs without having to tape or spray down.
Of course, the biggest drawback to single-use stencils is they can only be used once. At times, that may be all you need. If you have a unique design that will only need to be used once, single-use stencils are a great choice. Because its material is so thin, it is easy to break once you try to peel it off the surface you first applied it on- so remember with these, it is a one and done mentality.
Find The Right Stencil For You!
So to wrap up this blog, we will leave you with one last question- why even bother having two types of stencils? Some stencils are designed to work best with a certain medium or surface material, giving you options. Reusable and single-use stencils both have their own best use situations, and the variety makes the possibilities for stenciling projects infinite!
While we have shared our pros and cons list, we encourage you to do your research and find exactly the right type of stencil for the project you have in mind. Given all the available stencils WallCutz offers, you’re bound to find a stencil that is perfect for your next design project.
We love sharing our ideas with you- and love to hear from each of you in the comments about what you prefer on the topic we tackle! So tell us: are you a single-use 'stenciler' or a reusable kind of crafter? We are certain that no matter the answer, we have lots of stencils for you!
Virginia Hansen - May 30, 2021
Sandy Bouch - May 22, 2021
Nancy Townsend - May 18, 2021
Dianne - May 18, 2021
Deborah Langley - May 18, 2021
Sue Jones Ware - May 18, 2021
Danielle Barry - May 17, 2021
Bobbie Bohr - May 17, 2021
marissa ann speicher - May 17, 2021
Tonya Williams - May 17, 2021
Gina - May 17, 2021
Yes!!! Stencils can be a life saver and a time saver! I’m still not finished collecting all the cool stencils from Wall it’s! Also looking forward to my custom stencil!
Judy Butler - May 17, 2021
8 -year-old granddaughter and I are new to stenciling and loving it! Beach stencils next!
Lynn Warner - May 17, 2021
I absolutely love your reusable stencils. I only wish you had tons more designs because I’m so impatient. Lol. You have the beat quality and cute designs! Thanks!!
Diane - May 17, 2021
PAM CAMPBELL - May 16, 2021
I am relatively new to stenciling. Before I saw you on Facebook I had tried a few different type stencils. The very thing adhesive backed stencils I decided would be a great fit for that odd shaped medium if I chose to stencil a piece with indentations or an uneven surface. My favorite, are your stencils!,, Reusable is not the only plus!!!!! Being able to pick words/decor from multiple stencils to make a special something gives the imagination the opportunity to run wild. I like to do the not so ordinary at times and piecing my project from different stencils is something I find myself doing a lot more of. The creative me finds such a unlimited way to make something beautiful for myself, friends, family and others find joy in what I have done to put a smile on their face. Eventually I may try and sell a few items, but for now I am just spreading my wings and stenciling. For me…… reusable stencils suit my insatiable need to create. ♥️♥️♥️
PAM CAMPBELL - May 16, 2021
I am relatively new to stenciling. Before I saw you on Facebook I had tried a few different type stencils. The very thing adhesive backed stencils I decided would be a great fit for that odd shaped medium if I chose to stencil a piece with indentations or an uneven surface. My favorite, are your stencils!,, Reusable is not the only plus!!!!! Being able to pick words/decor from multiple stencils to make a special something gives the imagination the opportunity to run wild. I like to do the not so ordinary at times and piecing my project from different stencils is something I find myself doing a lot more of. The creative me finds such a unlimited way to make something beautiful for myself, friends, family and others find joy in what I have done to put a smile on their face. Eventually I may try and sell a few items, but for now I am just spreading my wings and stenciling. For me…… reusable stencils su8t my insatiable need to create. ♥️♥️♥️
Valerie Cavuoto - May 16, 2021
Karen - May 16, 2021
Jeanne - May 16, 2021
Sharon Varney - May 16, 2021
Kathy Lehr - May 16, 2021
I just love this company. There customer service is the best as is the quality of there stencils. A great asset to anyone from beginner to pro stenciler. Thank you for such a wonderful product
Cindy Simmons - May 15, 2021
Blog is informative as always. The single use stencil has given me pause for thought in designing. Hmmmm
Marcia Bergendahl - May 15, 2021
Debra Tillman - May 14, 2021
Shirley Webber - May 14, 2021
Love your blog. It was well written given information to all us stencil users. Just received my last order today. Great product !!
Deborah Howell - May 14, 2021
Sue - May 14, 2021
Enjoyed reading your informative blog. I have both kinds and enjoy using both. Just received some stencils from Wallcutz and love them!
AnneMarie Koehl - May 13, 2021
I look forward to ordering many more stencils in the future. 😘😘😘
Jane Baxtet - May 13, 2021
for themselves. Thanks for taking pride in how you run your business!
Evangeline Rodriguez - May 13, 2021
Love your stencils! Recieved my first set and they are great a quality and value. I’m excited to try all my my new stencils!
Nell connell - May 13, 2021
Joan Titsch - May 13, 2021
I wanted to let everyone know that I love Wallcutz. I love the designs you come up with and am getting the hang of ordering sizes. One suggestion would be to show a stencil on a specific size board/canvas as a reference. I use your multi use ones and they are of great quality. If you’re on the fence you won’t be disappointed.
Dawn Simmons - May 13, 2021
Nancy Gay - May 13, 2021
Laura Buoni - May 13, 2021
Chris Ann Kirkwood - May 13, 2021
I am so happy I found WallCutz and their online FB group!! I’m a big fan of the reusable stencils and it’s very easy to mix-n-match creating your own designs. My favorite uses for stencils are customizing stools, benches, wood boxes, small tables and nightstands. You have to play around with the placement of your stencils, but the more you practice the easier it gets. The best advice I have learned from the WallCutz community is how easy it is to clean your stencils after each use using water and a magic eraser you can find at the dollar store. Happy stencilling everyone!!
Belia Peña - May 13, 2021
I have yet to use any of my stencils.
Sickness has kept me from “playing,” but i look forwstd to the day when i can begin to make crafts for our church bazaar.
Thank you for the video tutoials. I’m learning so much from Jesse and Allie.
Judy L Mantle - May 12, 2021
Laura - May 12, 2021
Nickie Gage - May 12, 2021
Gail Hansard - May 12, 2021
Cathy Latta - May 12, 2021
Lisa - May 12, 2021
Penny Leis - May 12, 2021
Jennifer Fahs - May 12, 2021
Donna Kannel - May 12, 2021
SHARON MILLS - May 12, 2021
Dawne Smith - May 12, 2021
I participated in a “Board and Brush” project where you pick the design you want to do and they supply everything else needed to complete the project for a reasonable cost. That was my first experience with a single use stencil and although I loved the experience I think I prefer the reusable stencils due to the versatility. Although I am definitely a newcomer to the stenciling world, Wallcutz and the Wallcutz community have given me so many fresh and innovative ideas for endless future projects. So looking forward to filling up my craft room with stencils! Wintertime and rainy days won’t be dull any longer!
Vicki Reece - May 12, 2021
Kathy L Lehr - May 12, 2021