How to Outline a Tattoo

Whether you are considering a new tattoo or are thinking about an apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist, it is a good idea to become familiar with the basic tattoo process. Once you have created your tattoo design and turned it into a stencil, you are ready to prepare your work space and begin the tattoo. The first step of the tattoo is a fine black outline.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Petroleum jelly
• High quality paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Distilled water

1. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the area you will tattoo to prevent ink splatters. Keep a high quality paper towel in your nonworking hand to clean excess ink. It is important that you dab the ink away, and not rub. Keeping the area clean will ensure that you can see what you are doing and make a perfect outline.

2. Start the outline of the tattoo at the top of the design, working first away from your hand and then towards your hand. That way, you won't be constantly rubbing over your outline, which can irritate the skin and mess your stencil.

3. Work just off the tip of the needle with a steady hand. Don't work too deeply into the skin, which can cause excess bleeding and even scarring. The outline can make the entire tattoo, so make sure it is a clean line.

4. Dab the tattoo to remove the extra ink, and reapply ink to your tattoo machine as needed. Clean the tattoo with a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol to 10 parts distilled water once you have completed the outline. Make sure you have completely traced the outline before moving on.

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