Why do these letters have gaps in them?
Why do these letters have gaps in them?
Question
Not sure what the correct name is. Check the picture: why do these letters have gaps in them?
I could understand the letter "O" having gaps because the spray-paint-mold had to hold the inside area. But for other letters "L", "E", "N", this seems unnecessary?
2016/08/02
Accepted Answer
The actual reason is not for unity. Is for durability of the stencil. Small triangles like under the N or the gap that would form inside the E would break very fast and the stencil would be useless in no-time.
2016/08/02
Popular Answer
There are a number of reasons for the gaps on the stencil letters:
- Not to collapse when wet with paint
- Ease to remove from the stenciling surface
- durability of the stencil itself
- The letters were often made with paper/metal/plastic and cut with mechanical die-cut punching, so the gaps made it easier to keep the stencil shapes correct during the process.
2016/08/02