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How to Read Custom Stencil Proofs
How to Read Custom Stencil Proofs

How to read your custom stencil proof

Kath Ramirez avatar
Written by Kath Ramirez
Updated over a year ago

NOTE: If you haven't received a proof within 48 hours, check your spam folder!

All custom stencil orders come with a proof, which is your guide to how your stencil will look once the painting process is completed. We provide proofs in order to make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for. Each proof is sent to you for approval before we cut it and will also be printed and sent with your order.

Your proof will appear in your inbox within 48 hours of your order. If you don't see it, check your spam folder. Your email will contain a link to view your proof on our website. From there, you can choose to approve the proof or reject it. If you reject it, we'll continue to work on your design. If you approve it, we'll begin the fulfillment process.

How a proof looks will depend on the type of custom product ordered. Take a look at the image below, which shows a range of different proofs.

Types of custom stencil proofs and what they look like

All proofs include:

  • Submitted file that has been made into a stencil design

  • Dimensions of the stencil design

  • Dimensions of the border of the stencil

  • All included pieces

  • Order number

Custom mylar, adhesive, coffee, apparel, and reverse stencils will all include these elements.

Large Custom Stencil Proofs

Because large stencils are so large, we have to spread the design over multiple pieces of mylar plastic. Proofs for large custom stencils will include each piece that makes up the final design. The border of each piece of mylar plastic will be shown, as well as labels for each piece and a diagram showing their placement.

Custom large stencil proof example

Layered Custom Stencils

We’ve included a few extra elements within layered stencil proofs in order to make the painting process as easy as possible:

  • All stencils are shown

  • Suggested colors for each layer based on the submitted file

  • Numbers indicating the order of painting

  • A final composite image

Our designers carefully create a color guide for each stencil layer to help you recreate the original file. These colors don’t need to be followed exactly or even followed at all. It's up to you.

To see what the painting will look like with the suggested colors, turn to the second page of the proof to find the preview image.

Sometimes it can be confusing which stencil goes before another when painting layered sets. We’ve saved you the guesswork by providing numbers etched on each layer that correspond to the order shown on the proof.

An example of a multi-layered stencil proof

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