So I've been wondering about what you guys think of the use of stencils to apply markings on your armor? I've been thinking of trying some out, but want to know what the opinion is of the majority on the use of stencils and which company's stencil works best.

David,
What vehicles do you wish to stencil? If Allied I can't help, but if you are doing German vehicles, particularly tanks with Zimmerit, I'd recommend hand painting markings. It's more realistic, as this is how it was done on the actual vehicles and although it requires practice and a steady hand, it does away with all the faff of stencils and masking.

By stencils I assume you are also considering masks, as actual template type stencils are difficult to secure onto the model. Stencils give more realistic rendering of markings. I use DN Models' masks which are reusable if taken care of.

German Armor is what I'm considering using them on. Right now I'm dealing with an Afrika Korps Panzer IV. So no Zimmerit.

You might try the Dry rub on transfers from Archer, Sprue Brothers carries them or right from the sourse.
Hope this helps. www.archertransfers.com
Donald

FWIW, I tried using some Alliance Model Works stencils for German numbers. The stencils are really nice, but I couldn't figure out a way to avoid doing them one number at a time. It's fine, if you need one number, but my ability to get the numbers to line up is somewhat lacking. They provide a piece for you to tape down and line the stencils up on, but no matter how I tried, they were always just a little off.

I think there are other brands of stencils that have a way of putting multiple numbers up and doing a single pass.

My wife is getting a scan and cut soon. I think I'll use it to make some stencils of multiple numbers for German turrets, if I can find the right fonts.

They are great, from my point of view, however I have to admit that I am a bit lazy and decals are much easier. With stencils you have to mask a big area around it, take care not to overpaint so it flow unders the stencil if you have zimmerit or irregular surfaces.

And you may not get the size you need...

But other than that, I would definitively recommend them.

I have used Eduard ones.

One important thing to do is only spray from one angle. Otherwise you'll get a "shadow".

most archer transfers are no dry transfers, you rub them on a transfer sheet that is added and after it you use them like ordinary decals but the result is much better than ordinary transfers..

Thanks guys a lot of good advice. Thanks!

That is usually an option fot small pieces.
Donald

Probably the best idea, already mentioned, is a Silhouette Cameo or Circuit, a machine that will cut masking materials to use as stencils. I actually bought a Silhouette 4-5 months ago, but have yet to open the box. I need to get to it soon, as, in my opinion, painted on numerous/insignias blow decals away!