There are a lot of factors that go into creating a high-quality parking lot stencil. Edge distance may not be the most highly publicized of them, but it’s certainly one of the most important factors determining how well a stencil will work. Read on to find out what property owners, contractors, and artists need to know about edge distance before they order custom stencils.
What Is Edge Distance?
Edge distance, also known as overall height and width, refers to the amount of material between a stencil design and the edge of the product. Say a custom sign has 12-inch tall letters and its overall height is advertised as being 16 inches. In this situation, the edge distance would be just two inches, which really isn’t enough to prevent overspray.
Why Edge Distance Is Important
If a stencil design has a low edge distance, there’s a much greater chance that the paint will find its way to the outside of the stencil and onto the parking lot. Given that parking lot stencils are typically used to convey important information to customers, employees, and other visitors, it’s essential that they be clear and concise. If there’s not enough plastic or metal surrounding the stencil design, even the best artist won’t be able to keep all the paint inside the design without messing up the parking lot.
Not everyone tasked with applying lettering or designs to parking lots has extensive experience with painting and stencils. With sufficient edge distance, even property owners or employees who aren't otherwise artistically inclined can do a good job of getting the paint to all the right spots.
Avoiding overspray isn't the only benefit of buying parking lot stencils with sufficient edge distance. Stencils with three inches of solid material around their edges are usually less prone to damage than thinner ones with less distance. For those who prioritize durability, it's also important to consider factors like what material was used to construct the stencil and how thick it is. Experts usually recommend thicknesses of 60 or 125 mil, or 1/16 and 1/8 inch, thickness for stencils that will see repeated use.
When In Doubt, Ask an Expert
Most property owners don't know much about parking lot painting, and that's just fine. They can still wind up with perfect-looking art with the help of a reputable stencil manufacturer. When in doubt about issues like edge distance, stencil thickness, and material selection, reach out to speak with a designer or a customer service representative with questions before placing an order.
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