How to Apply a Tattoo Stencil

Before most professional tattooists begin inking a tattoo, they apply a tattoo stencil. Premade stencils allow tattoo artists to create accurate, well-proportioned tattoos. Typically, they have hundreds or thousands of stencils from which to choose, but customers also may find their own to bring to the tattoo artist.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Surgical gloves
• Antibacterial soap
• Paper towels
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Petroleum jelly

1. Put on sterile surgical gloves and clean the skin at the tattoo site using antibacterial soap and a paper towel. Using a new razor blade, shave all hair from the site, and then clean again with soap. Pat skin completely dry with a clean paper towel.

2. Rub regular unscented speed stick or a similar deodorant onto your tattoo site. Apply liberally, as this helps the stencil to stick to the skin.

3. Place the stencil with the correct side facing the skin. Usually it's a purple-colored side that you should apply directly onto the skin.

4. Find your tattoo site's center point and press the entire stencil onto the skin gently. Do not slide it on the skin. Keeping it still with one hand, rub the stencil down evenly. Hold the stencil down with your palm for about 10 seconds and peel off the paper.

5. Allow the transferred stencil to dry on the skin for at least 10 minutes and then carefully pat it down with a clean paper towel.

6. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly over the stenciled skin and you're ready to begin inking.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your customer stands while you apply the tattoo stencil. Standing limits your client's movement so he won't smudge the stencil.
• Don't trace or copy a stencil onto the skin in place of applying it. This results in poor quality.

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