After contour cutting, the negative area (material outside the shape) is removed by hand or machine—that is weeding. Small islands, thin lines, and narrow bridges are fragile and can tear during weeding or application. Designing with minimum width and spacing avoids failure.
Where designs fail
Type with thin strokes (e.g. hairline script), small pierced holes, and narrow bridges between elements are hard to weed and can lift or tear. Very small pieces can fall out or be lost. Dense weeding (lots of small negative areas) increases labor and risk.
Minimum sizes
Minimum detail depends on the film, cutter, artwork, transfer method and application. There is no universal stroke width for all weeded graphics. Ask for a review at the intended finished size; printing fine detail inside a larger cut shape may be a practical alternative.
Before you finalize art
- Avoid hairline strokes and tiny pierced details if the piece will be weeded.
- Keep bridges and strokes at or above the printer's minimum.
- Simplify or combine shapes to reduce weeding complexity where possible.
Common mistake
Sending intricate script or lace-like art without checking minimum stroke and bridge. The job weeds poorly, tears, or costs more for hand work. Design to the printer's weeding limits.