Every material and every surface requires a slightly different approach when sandblasting. You may need one type of film for a fine, detailed design on glass, another for a curved object, and yet another for deep sandblasting into stone.

The right sandblasting film can make it easier to prepare the stencil, apply the design, and perform the sandblasting itself. So let’s take a look at our most commonly used types of film, their main characteristics, and their recommended applications.

RapidMask: Quick Stencil Preparation Without Rinsing

RapidMask is a suitable choice for applications where processing speed and the preservation of fine details are important.

One of its main advantages is the ability to produce a sandblasting stencil without the need for rinsing and subsequent drying. This simplifies the entire preparation process and can reduce the time needed to create a finished stencil.

RapidMask can be used, for example, in decorating glass, drinking glasses, awards, or polished stone. It is suitable for both one-off pieces and repetitive production runs.

Thanks to its ability to preserve fine details, it is also suitable for designs with intricate graphics.

R Series Films: Films for Versatile Use and Various Surfaces

If you’re looking for a more versatile solution, the R Series sandblasting films offer a wide range of applications.

Thanks to their flexibility, they adapt well to both flat and uneven surfaces and can also be used on curved objects, such as mugs or bottles.

Depending on the specific type of film, the R Series can be used for various sandblasting techniques, such as color filling, multi-level, or deep sandblasting. It is also suitable for applications where sandblasting is performed over paint or a mirror finish.

The R Series is therefore particularly well-suited for situations where you need to use the film for various types of projects and surfaces.

UltraPro: Film for Demanding and Challenging Surfaces

UltraPro is a UV-photosensitive sandblasting film with a strong self-adhesive layer. It is primarily designed for use on difficult or curved surfaces where the adhesion of standard film may be insufficient.

Thanks to its stronger adhesion, it can be used, for example, when decorating metal and matte surfaces or when creating more complex designs.

UltraPro combines good adhesion with precision application and is particularly suitable for projects where reliable adhesion of the stencil to the substrate is essential.

UltraVinyl: Film for Deep Sandblasting

If you need to perform deep sandblasting, especially on stone, UltraVinyl film is a suitable choice.

With a thickness of 250 µm, it provides the stencil with greater durability during more demanding sandblasting. It is designed for applications where greater depth and relief are required.

Quick Comparison of Sandblasting Films

Film	Main Advantage	Typical Uses
RapidMask	No rinsing or drying required; suitable for fine details	glass, drinking glasses, awards, polished stone
R Series	Versatile and flexible	flat and curved surfaces, various sandblasting techniques
UltraPro	Highly adhesive	difficult, matte, metallic, and curved surfaces
UltraVinyl 250 µm	Highly resistant to sandblasting	deep sandblasting, especially stone

How do you choose the right sandblasting film?

When making your selection, it’s not just the material you want to sandblast that matters. You also need to consider several other factors:

the material and surface characteristics,
whether the product is flat or curved,
the desired sandblasting depth,
the amount of fine detail in the artwork,
the method of template production and processing,
the sandblasting technique used.

Most common sandblasting jobs can be handled with a few tried-and-true types of film. However, individual materials differ in their properties, and each may offer a specific advantage for a particular application.

Makingthe right choice can therefore simplify the application of the stencil, speed up the work, and help achieve the desired result.

Sample of Photo Sandblasting

Demonstration of Multi-Level Sandblasting

Not sure? Start with a sample!

If you’re not sure which film is best suited for your project, we recommend trying a sample before ordering a larger quantity.

For some applications, it may be helpful to compare multiple types of film directly on the specific material to determine which best suits the product’s shape, the desired depth of sandblasting, and the design being used.

For smaller projects, testing, or individual orders, we also offer select sandblasting films in A4 format. You can order as few as a single sheet, so there’s no need to purchase an entire roll right away.

We’ll help you choose the right film and guide you on how to use it

Choosing the right sandblasting film is one of the key factors in creating a high-quality stencil. From delicate designs on glass to curved products and deep sandblasting of stone, the requirements for the film can vary significantly.

If you’re not sure which film is best suited for your application, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help you choose based on the specific material, the shape of the item, and the desired result.

If you’d like to learn how to make sandblasting stencils and work with photosensitive films hands-on, we also offer training focused on sandblasting stencil production and working with photosensitive films. The training can be tailored to the participants’ experience and focus on material selection, film processing, and the sandblasting process itself.

Article written by:

Katarína Porubová

Sandblasting Stencils, Custom Decals