Abstract: A method of on-demand direct item marking is provided. The customer creates the format of the desired image and prints, via thermal transfer printing, the image in negative image to create the stencil. The base material of the stencil is a thin, porous material. The openings on the mesh allow the flow of inks or other fluids while the printed areas prevent the flow of the marking material. The stencil is applied to the product. Marking fluid such as ink is wiped across the stencil using any known method, for example a squeegee method. The ink travels through the open sites or pores of the stencil and not the printed or closed sites. The stencil is then removed, leaving a positive image on the target surface.