Concrete Stencils Buyer's Guide

Find Concrete Stenciling Products

Paper or plastic?: Choosing the right material

Determining which stencil is best for your project: Fresh concrete, hardened concrete, or overlay?

Deciding between adhesive and nonadhesive stencils

Stock or custom: Which fits your needs?

Sandblasting or acid etching?: Choosing the right technique

ConcreteNetwork.com

Author Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com Columnist and Senior Editor of Concrete Expressions magazine

For more tips on using stencils:

Stenciled Concrete

Stenciling Interior Concrete Floors

Decorative Sandblast Stenciling

My Favorite Concrete Stencil Products

Video: Steps for Applying Stencils

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When it comes to adding pattern to concrete, nothing matches the versatility of today's decorative stencils. With the help of special design software and computer-controlled cutting machinery, stencil manufacturers are offering more pattern options than ever before, ranging from basic running-bond brick to artistic designs such as medallions, rosettes and complex geometric patterns.

Newer materials and adhesive backings are also broadening the applications for stencils, giving creative contractors the ability to embellish decorative overlays, create sandblasted and etched designs in existing concrete, and even enhance vertical surfaces. Stencils are also available in a broad array of formats and sizes to accommodate projects of all types, including large rolls that can pattern an entire driveway, linear strips for creating borders, and custom-cut patterns for producing logos, concrete "area rugs" and other unique graphics.

No matter what your design goal, there's probably a stencil product on the market that can help you achieve it. However, not all stencils will suit all purposes, depending on their composition, thickness, size, durability and adhesive qualities. Here are some factors to consider when weighing the options.