Parking Stencil FAQ
Q: What is the difference between the Durolast and the Maxilast material?
A: Both Durolast and Maxilast are made of polyethene plastic. Both are durable materials that will provide multiple uses. The durolast material is 1/16 inch thick (about the thickness of a quarter) and is a more economical option. The maxilast material is a heavy duty 1/8 inch thick (about the thickness of a nickel and penny stacked) and is second to none in life and service.
Q: How long will the stencil last?
A: These high quality stencils are very durable. The life of the stencil is based on several factors including cleaning, storage and frequency of use.
Q: How do you recommend cleaning the stencils?
A: No paint thinner is required to maintain your stencil. Do not allow your stencils to soak in paint thinner. Our stencils are made of Low Density Polyethene plastic. This is a very flexible, non-hazardous, tough and non-porous plastic. Built up paint will peel off quite easily.
Q: How should I store the stencil?
A: Stencils should be stored flat and face down at room temperature. Be very careful handling the plastic should you need to use your stencil in weather colder than 50 degrees. The stencils become more stiff and brittle in cold temperatures.
Q: Do you make custom stencils?
A: Yes. Send your graphic with size requirements for a quote. Custom stencils have an approximate 1 week lead time.
Q: How do you use the handicap parking stencil?
A: Place stencil in desired location- measure and mark to ensure that the stencil is straight, centered, etc. prior to painting. Aerosol paint is recommended for quick and easy marking.
Q: Can I purchase material to make my own stencil?
A: Yes. You can purchase plastic sheet stencil material to make your own stencil.
Q: How quickly will my stencil ship?
A: Stencils typically ship in 1-2 business days. Custom stencils or standard items that have to be cut require a 1 week lead time.
The Value of Parking Lot Stencils
No modern parking lot is complete without the markings and signs that indicate everything one needs to know about where to park, how to get there, and where not to park. Without the various parking signs that are painted everywhere on the concrete, a parking lot would quickly degenerate into a chaotic sardine can of vehicles crammed into rather awkward positions, to say nothing of them actually being able to exit the lot without a lot of hands-on management. As such, parking icons and signs, which run the gauntlet from directional arrows to reservation of certain spaces for specific classes or types of individuals, are indispensable to its smooth operation. The most cost-effective method of maintaining a parking lot in such fashion is through the use of parking lot stencils, sturdy sheets of plastic that contain cut-outs of each of the common parking signs and symbols, so that pavement paint may be sprayed on, leaving only the appropriate marking behind. There are also letter stencils and number stencils to further personalize a parking lot to the owner or proprietor’s specifications. These parking stencils are not only good for the initial paint jobs, but for the inevitable re-paints that are bound to follow within a year, due to the wear and tear suffered by paint markings from vehicle tires and weather conditions. Traffic markings are staple parking lot additions. The straight and curved arrow stencil help vehicles navigate through the parking lot, following a set path that takes them to the parking aisles with the least amount of fuss, congestion, or frequent intersection between moving cars. The two types of arrows can be combined to provide drivers with options in larger lots where flexibility is more tolerated. Another important traffic marking is the stop sign, located at crossroad areas to minimize the chance of a fender-bender between a car leaving a parking aisle and one that is traversing the main access thoroughfare. Not all sections of the parking lot are available for use, which is why the sign “No Parking” is also usually seen, and followed by the term Fire Lane stencil, for the times when emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, have to race to the scene without dealing with any obstructions, including parked cars. When a fire or other disaster breaks out, it is in the best interests of any parking lot servicing a building to provide rescue operations workers and their equipment with exactly that free passage. Let us also not forget the disabled, who are entitled to facilities in parking lots that help to compensate for their reduced mobility or otherwise special circumstances. “Handicapped” parking slots are marked as such, with the international symbol of accessibility, the icon of a man in a wheelchair. This points out the preferential parking spaces that cater to the handicapped, and are normally positioned as close to the serviced building as possible for easy access. Browse our handicap stencils for a variety of different types of wheelchair logos. Parking stencils exist for all of these signs and many more, and make a valuable tool in the kit of any parking lot owner or proprietor.
