Large CNC Cut Paint Stencil Material Suggestion

[Ross Moshinsky]

I was contacted about cutting a logo for a paint stencil. Just looking for the best material.

My thought is 3mm or 6mm PVC. It's cheap, relatively strong, and fast and easy to cut. I'd be open to something maybe a little more rigid because it's for a school and I can see them possibly breaking the PVC.

[Paul Phillips]

Ross, I've used PVC with good success, a stronger alternative i sometimes use is .125" or .063" Polycarbonate sheet.

[Joe Pelonio]

I use polystyrene, it's surprisingly strong and you can use thinner sheets like .02 which make a cleaner image. The 3mm PVC does break easily, and 6mm is way too expensive and thick for stencils.

[Scott Shepherd]

We've cut them for years now, mainly out of styrene as well. Depends on the size on which thickness we use. If it's smaller, we might use thinner, but we'll go up to 1/16" on larger ones.

[Ross Moshinsky]

Polystyrene seems like a good way of going. I wanted something a little thinner than 3mm PVC to make it easier to use but was concerned about strength.

I still have a few concerns with the project. It's a 6' long stencil and it's for a school which deals with adults with cerebral palsy. Ease of use is paramount and I think .06" HIPS will be easier to use than PVC.