Having your own inventory of line marking stencils used for creating lines, arrows, symbols, and the like on your parking lot or even inside a warehouse can allow you to create that signage on your own, without calling in a professional to paint them for you. Not all line marking stencils are alike, so it's good to know what to look for before you shop. Note a few quick tips to keep in mind; this will ensure you opt for the right stencils for your facility and choose quality products that will last.
1. Material
Thin, lightweight cardboard stencils may be very cheap, and if you're sure you're only going to use the stencils once, they can be a good option. However, be sure you have plenty of thick tape you can use to keep the stencils in place as you paint, or they might easily shift in the slightest breeze. If you know you'll use your stencils more than once, opt for a plastic material instead. Thin cardboard can easily get torn or otherwise damaged when held against the rough surface of asphalt or concrete, so that they can't be used more than once or twice. They may also absorb moisture when they're stored, so they shred and even warp.
2. Permanent stencils
Thermoplastic logos can be a good choice for when you want line markings that are permanent and very durable. These are made of a type of plastic that you actually melt into the pavement using a heat source, such as a torch. These stencils don't need retouching or reapplying over the years, and can be good for very high traffic areas such as shipping docks where constant, heavy traffic might otherwise damage standard paints used with other types of stencils.
3. Line thickness
You may know the right overall size for a stencil, such as the legal required width and height for a handicapped spot in a parking lot, but note the line thickness of stencils as well. If you're covering over old lines, you may want new stencils that are larger or wider in size, so the old lines don't show through. There may also be local regulations that state how thick certain lines must be, such as lines that designate a stop sign or handicapped parking space. Be sure you look at more than just a stencil's overall size but note the thickness of the lines when shopping, to ensure you're compliant with regulations and make cover-up jobs easier on you.
For more information, contact A1 Roadlines Pty. Ltd or a similar company.