How to Cut A Stencil... and other Tips, Tools, & Techniques!
Cutting Tools & Materials    General Stencil-Cutting Tips    Tips for Transfering Designs    Design Proofs   

General Stencil-Cutting Tips

When cutting with a stencil burner, hold it like a pen and trace over the design lines with the hot tip. Move the burner, not the stencil material (stencil material can be taped to the glass). Work in continuous strokes, completing the entire cutout of each area (for example, a whole leaf) before lifting up the burner tip. You may find that your cutting is steadier if you extend your pinkie finger and use its edge as a moving balancing point for your hand, keeping it about an inch from the burner tip. To protect the strength of the stencil, cut the smallest areas first, proceed by cutting the curved or jagged areas, then cut the straighter lines and larger areas.

Hold the stencil material tightly against the cutting surface. If it lifts while cutting with the stencil burner, some residue from the material may build up on the hot tip, resulting in a bit of smoke. (Use in a well-ventilated area!). This smoke is an indication that you should file the tip of the stencil burner with an emery board, metal nail file or sandpaper to keep the tip clean and sharp. Also file the tip whenever it feels like it is "dragging". Filing the tip may be done while the tip is hot.
*We recommend keeping an extra replacement tip taped to your metal burner stand, for a back-up.
For best results, store all stencil materials loosely rolled, away from direct sources of heat. If E-Z Cut Plastic seems to have a curl to it, roll it in the opposite direction and it will correct itself.