If you’ve been following TechCreate for any length of time, you’ll know we’ve always evolved gradually — responding to what our customers actually needed rather than sticking rigidly to our original plan. Over the last ten years that mindset has taken us on a journey from a small creative makerspace in Clane to becoming one of Ireland’s most reliable laser cutting and engraving partners.

As we move into 2026, we’re excited to share some important updates about TechCreate’s direction, our workshop, and how we’re streamlining what we do best.

This isn’t just “news” — it’s the start of a clearer, stronger chapter for the business.

A Clearer Focus: TechCreate Is Now Fully Dedicated to Laser Manufacturing & Engraving

For years, TechCreate has balanced multiple services — laser cutting, engraving, kids’ coding classes, craft workshops, birthday parties, makerspace activities, and more. While that variety shaped who we are, our laser manufacturing work has grown far beyond everything else.

After listening to customers and reviewing the demand across our brands, it became clear that the best way to serve everyone is through focus.

TechCreate is now solely dedicated to:

• High-volume laser cutting
• Bulk engraving
• White-label manufacturing
• Corporate projects
• Partner work for other makers and brands

This allows us to deliver faster turnaround times, better consistency, and more capacity for business customers and large-scale orders.

Changes in Straffan: Kids’ Activities Have Ended

One of the biggest changes is that TechCreate Straffan no longer runs any kids’ activities, including:

• Kids Coding Classes
• Kids craft workshops
• STEM / maker workshops
• Birthday parties

These services ran successfully for years and introduced hundreds of children to creativity, coding, and making — but with the business growing in a different direction, it was time to give them a dedicated home.

Many parents have asked about this, so here’s the clear explanation:

Why they ended in Straffan:

To allow TechCreate to focus fully on laser manufacturing, and to give Kids Coding Academy the space to grow into a specialised education brand.

Ratoath Coding Classes Have Also Ceased

We can also confirm that the Kids Coding Academy classes in Ratoath have now concluded.
This was part of the same overall strategic shift to restructure the education side of the business into a more scalable, partner-driven model.

Kids Coding Academy: Growing Nationwide Through School Partnerships

As part of this refocus, Kids Coding Academy is now a separate brand, with its own website and growing vision.

Instead of running classes in physical locations tied to TechCreate, Kids Coding Academy is now:

Actively partnering with primary school teachers across Ireland

Teachers deliver our proven curriculum in their own schools, supported by our:

• Teaching resources
• Coding platform
• Lesson plans
• Training
• Marketing support
• Classroom management tools

This partnership model allows Kids Coding Academy to reach far more children nationwide than a single-location class ever could.

If you’re a teacher — or know one — who’d like to bring engaging coding classes to your school, we’d love to hear from you.

A New Home for Production: Our Workshop Has Moved to Cavan

Another major change is behind the scenes: our laser workshop has fully relocated to Cavan.

Why the move?

More space, more capacity, and room to grow.

We’ve steadily expanded our laser fleet — from a single Trotec Speedy 300 in 2015 to multiple Thunder Laser systems today. The new Cavan workspace gives us:

• A larger production floor
• Better machine layout
• Higher throughput
• Room for future expansion
• Improved workflow for manufacturing partners

Meanwhile, Straffan is now the headquarters for LaserMaterials.ie, where all materials are stocked, cut down, and shipped daily.

Thunder Laser Ireland Continues Strong

TechCreate continues to serve as the official Irish agent for Thunder Laser, helping makers, schools, small businesses, and manufacturers choose the right machines and get the most from them.

With our expanded workshop, we’ll be supporting more demonstrations, training, and application testing throughout 2026.

A New, Streamlined Quoting Process

To support this more focused direction, we’ve completely rebuilt our quoting tools.

You’ll now find two clear, simplified ways to start a project:

Upload a File → Fast Quote

For customers with DXF/SVG/AI/PDF/JPG files ready to run.

The post The Next Chapter for TechCreate — A Fresh Focus for 2026 and Beyond appeared first on TechCreate.

1. Prepare Your Surface

Before you start painting, make sure your surface is clean, dry, and smooth.

For wood, lightly sand and wipe off any dust.

For walls or fabric, ensure they’re free from dirt, grease, or lint.
A clean surface is key to preventing paint bleed and ensuring the stencil sits flat.

2. Secure Your Stencil Firmly

Tape your stencil down using low-tack painter’s tape or repositionable spray adhesive.

Make sure all edges are pressed down well — especially around fine text or logo details.

For larger stencils, secure all corners and any internal bridges to avoid movement during painting.

Pro tip: For repeat use or multiple applications, spray adhesive offers the best edge seal while still being easy to remove.

3. Use the Right Paint and Tools

Your choice of paint and applicator makes a big difference:

Acrylic paints, chalk paints, and fabric paints all work well depending on your surface.

Apply paint with a stencil brush, foam roller, or sponge — not a traditional brush.

Use minimal paint. Dab or roll off excess onto a paper towel first to avoid bleeding under the edges.

Less paint = cleaner lines.

4. Apply Paint in Light Layers

Rather than trying to cover everything in one go, use several light layers.

Tap or roll the paint gently onto the stencil.

Allow a minute or two of drying between coats if needed.
This layering helps prevent smudging and gives a professional, even finish.

5. Remove the Stencil Carefully

When you’re done, peel back the stencil slowly while the paint is still slightly wet.
This reduces the risk of peeling dried paint off your surface.
If you’re stencilling multiple areas, make sure the stencil is clean and dry before reusing it.

6. Clean Your Stencil After Each Use

To extend the life of your Mylar stencil:

Wash it gently with warm soapy water or wipe with a damp cloth.

Avoid harsh scrubbing or solvents.

Let it dry flat before storing.

Proper care means your stencil can be used dozens of times without losing detail.

7. Store Flat for Next Time

Keep your stencils flat between sheets of card or inside a folder to prevent creases or warping.
For extra convenience, label them so you can easily find the right design again later.

Bonus Tip: Test First!

If it’s your first time using the stencil (or a new paint), try it on a scrap piece of material first. You’ll quickly get a feel for the amount of paint needed and how much pressure to apply.

Need a Custom Stencil?

Whether you need a logo stencil, lettering, or a bespoke design, we can create it for you — precision-cut from durable Mylar right here in Ireland.
Order your custom stencil here

The post How to Get the Best Results with Your Custom Mylar Stencils appeared first on TechCreate.

What is Reverse Graffiti?

Reverse graffiti, also known as clean tagging or grime writing, is a method of creating images or messages by cleaning dirt off surfaces, usually pavements or walls. Instead of adding paint or ink, you’re removing the dirt in a specific pattern — leaving behind a clean image or logo that stands out against the surrounding grime.

It’s eye-catching, environmentally friendly, and — in most places — legally less problematic than traditional graffiti or posters.

How Do Reverse Graffiti Campaigns Work?

Here’s how a typical campaign works:

1. A stencil is laser cut from a sheet of durable Mylar plastic.
2. The stencil is placed on a dirty urban surface, such as a pavement, brick wall, or tunnel floor.
3. A pressure washer or stiff brush with water is used to clean through the stencil, removing the dirt only in the cut-out areas.
4. Once the stencil is lifted, a clean image remains, contrasting with the still-dirty background.

This kind of marketing tends to draw a lot of attention. Pedestrians stop and take photos, local media often pick it up, and brands benefit from the unique, guerrilla-style exposure.

Why Use 300 Micron Mylar Stencils?

Our 300 micron Mylar sheets are thick and robust, making them ideal for outdoor use where they may get wet or need to be reused multiple times. Mylar is flexible yet strong enough to hold up under the pressure of power washing.

Design Tips for Reverse Graffiti Stencils

Not all designs are suitable for reverse graffiti, so here are some guidelines to ensure your stencil works effectively:

• Use bold, blocky fonts and solid shapes – These come out much clearer when pressure washing.
• Avoid small details and tight corners – These can be difficult to cut and may tear during use.
• Maintain strong joins and bridges – Especially for text, make sure letters like ‘O’, ‘A’, and ‘B’ are properly supported.
• Keep it simple – The contrast effect works best with a clean, minimal design.

Typical Results from Reverse Graffiti Campaigns

Brands that invest in reverse graffiti often see strong returns in terms of:

• Viral social media engagement – Unique visuals generate lots of organic shares.
• Local awareness – High footfall areas mean lots of eyeballs without ongoing costs.
• Eco credentials – Using water to clean a space sends a sustainability message.
• Repeat visibility – The “clean tag” can remain visible for weeks or months depending on weather and foot traffic.

Campaigns have been successfully used by everything from coffee shops and festivals to political movements and environmental groups. They’re especially effective in city centres, near universities, or along commuter routes.

Order Your Custom Reverse Graffiti Stencil

At TechCreate, we make custom stencils from high-quality 300 micron Mylar with precision laser cutting. If you’re planning a reverse graffiti campaign and want it to look sharp, clean, and professional — we can help.

All we need is your logo or design (in vector format, ideally SVG or DXF), and we’ll take care of the rest. If needed, we can advise on making your design stencil-friendly to ensure durability and clarity.

Ready to get started? Contact us here to discuss your stencil requirements or to get a quick quote.

Conclusion

Reverse graffiti is a powerful, sustainable marketing tool that stands out — literally. With the right stencil and a great design, you can create street-level advertising that grabs attention without leaving a negative impact.

If you’re searching for reverse graffiti stencils in Ireland or need expert help bringing your idea to life, we’re here to help.

The post Reverse Graffiti Stencils: A Sustainable Marketing Option with Impact appeared first on TechCreate.

Why Choose Kids Coding Academy?

At Kids Coding Academy, we believe every child should have the opportunity to develop essential digital skills in a creative and supportive environment. Our classes help children learn the fundamentals of coding, problem-solving, and logical thinking—all while having fun and making new friends!

Free Trial Class – Try Before You Commit!

To celebrate our new venue, we’re offering a free trial class to all new students! This is the perfect chance for your child to experience coding first-hand and see why so many parents trust Kids Coding Academy for their child’s digital education.

What to Expect at Our Classes:

Fun, hands-on coding activities Engaging projects using top coding platforms Small class sizes with experienced instructors A supportive environment where creativity thrives

Book Your Free Trial Today!

Spaces for our free trial classes are limited, so be sure to secure your child’s spot early. Visit Kids Coding Academy to book your free session and get ready to kick-start your child’s coding journey!

We can’t wait to welcome your little coder to our new Naas location at Monread Centre! See you there!

The post Kids Coding Academy is Coming to Naas! appeared first on TechCreate.

Are you looking for high-quality, reusable stencils for your next project? At TechCreate, we specialise in custom laser-cut Mylar stencils, perfect for a wide range of applications, from home decor and crafting to commercial branding and industrial use.

Why Choose Mylar Stencils?

Our Mylar stencils are durable, flexible, and reusable, making them an excellent choice for businesses, artists, and DIY enthusiasts. Mylar is resistant to chemicals, easy to clean, and provides crisp, clean lines every time you use it.

Benefits of Custom Laser-Cut Stencils

Precision Cutting – Achieve detailed and intricate designs with laser accuracy. Durable & Reusable – Mylar stencils are strong and can be used multiple times. Versatile Applications – Ideal for wall art, furniture decoration, signage, baking, and more. Custom Designs – Send us your design, and we’ll bring it to life with precision laser cutting.

How to Order Your Custom Mylar Stencil

Ordering is simple! Visit our product page here and upload your design. Whether you need a one-off custom stencil or a bulk order, we’re here to help.

Get Started Today!

Transform your ideas into reality with our high-quality, custom Mylar stencils. Perfect for businesses, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts, our stencils help you achieve professional results effortlessly.

Order your stencil today at TechCreate and take your creative projects to the next level!

The post Custom Laser Cut Mylar Stencils – Perfect for Every Project! appeared first on TechCreate.

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Getting access to quality materials for laser cutting and engraving projects can be a challenge. Often the large scale manufacturers won't even return your emails or calls unless you are looking to spend thousands of Euros. How do we know? Because that was us 6 years ago when we had just started TechCreate.

We contacted suppliers and material manufacturers looking to see if we could buy a few sheets of material for laser cutting and engraving. Most of the time they politely declined, and on many occasions they just didn't reply.

In the end we had to deal with laser cutting materials suppliers in the UK who were more geared up for smaller businesses or hobby laser users. We could buy precut sheets that fit our laser and get them shipped over. Shipping charges were often high, but at least it was somewhat reliable. We operated like this for a couple of years.

The next challenge was Brexit which meant new restrictions and import charges when bringing in materials from the UK. This caused us a major headache. However with adversity comes opportunity and we quickly realised that if we were struggling to get materials for our lasers then others were too.

The big challenge we had was the space to store materials if we purchased in bulk. We realised we needed more space than our current studio offered. So in September 2021 we acquired an industrial unit in Acorn Business Park, Rathangan

Laser Materials building. Acorn Business Park Rathangan, Co. Kildare

Vertical panel saw for cutting sheet material to size

The post Laser Cutting Materials appeared first on TechCreate.

As human beings we all have a need for recognition, whether it be a simple smile and 'Thank you' or a full on public awards ceremony.

One thing is certain and that is that when you want to give a trophy or award to someone you want it to be unique. An off the shelf trophy or award whilst nice doesn't necessarily convey the same level of gratitude as something custom made.

At TechCreate we can make custom Trophies and Awards for every event or occasion, from a one off piece to a whole range of awards.

Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival

For this project we were asked to make 13 different awards for this prestigious film festival. We combined a black acrylic base and backing with laser cut plywood on the front. The cuts in the plywood revealed the black acrylic behind which gave a great effect.

TU Dublin Student Award to Niall Breslin

This project was for a one-off award commissioned by TU Dublin. We laser engraved a sheet of beech veneered board. The contrast of the engrave with the wood gave a really nice finish. We love making Trophies and Awards from wood, but we can also work with Acrylics too.

matching presentation Box

For the above TU award we also made a matching presentation box, to add the the sense of occasion and make the award extra special.

Medals for Irish Mountain Cardio

Irish Mountain Cardio approached us to make some medals for their Dublin Mountain Way 42km run. The brief was to include an image of the iconic Hellfire Club, also known as Montpelier Hill which a 383 metre high hill in County Dublin.

We designed this simple but effective medal from birch plywood with laser cut out and engraving. The finished product was fit for a champion!

Medals for ST. Michael's rowing regatta

This was a project that we completed for St. Michael's Rowing Club for their annual Regatta they wanted custom made medals.

These are made from Birch Plywood and then engraved.

Talk to us today about your event and we'd be happy to make Trophies and Awards your competitors will cherish for many years to come.

The post Trophies and Awards Custom Made for you appeared first on TechCreate.

From the 6th November 2021 we will be relaunching our children's coding classes with our new 'Kids Coding Academy'.

Since this time last year we have been running all coding classes online via Zoom. We are excited to get back to real life classes.

We've been running coding classes for the last 6 years and in that time its fair to say things have moved on and we have learnt a lot.

We have recently invested in a new Learning Management System which brings the following benefits:

The post Children’s Coding Academy back In Studio appeared first on TechCreate.