Overlays refer to the number of layers of plastic that make up a stencil design.

If there is only one overlay for the design, as in this fleur de lis stencil,
then there will be gaps, also called bridges, between the individual elements.



The majority of our stencils are "theorem" or bridgeless stencils, this means that when you complete a design there are no gaps or "bridges" between the elements.

By having multiple layers, details in the design can overlap as in this mouse design shown below:


Overlay 1 is the outline of the body.

Overlay 2 adds the eyes, inner ears and outer coat of the mouse.

Overlay 3 adds his little nose, whiskers, paws, tail, and the white dots in the eyes.

Note: overlays separate details, not necessarily colors.  The same colors may very well be used throughout all the overlays.