How to Cut Out a Tattoo Stencil

Tattoo stencils are an essential part of the tattoo process and ensure that the exact outlines of your tattoos are copied to the client's skin. There are a variety of methods to make a stencil; however, regardless of the type of stencil the simple act of cutting out your stencil can make the quality of the final tattoo.

Instructions

1. Make your tattoo stencil and allow the ink to dry completely. While you must re-wet the ink when you apply it to the skin, allowing the initial ink to dry completely will ensure an even application.

2. Create more than one stencil if you are making identical tattoos. For the best quality, stencils should never be reused. Until you have completed a number of tattoos, you may want to create two stencils each time. If the client is not happy with the positioning of the first stencil or you happen to make a detrimental smudge, you can easily clean up the ink and apply your second stencil.

3. Choose two bordering lines of your stencil that you will use to guide the stencil onto the skin. For example, if you are placing a tattoo on the upper left shoulder, you probably will want to cut the stencil closest to the drawing at the upper edge and the left edge to help you guide the stencil to the right position.

4. Cut the other two edges of the stencil with enough room to hold the stencil firmly in your fingers without touching the ink. If you happen to touch the ink, wash your hands immediately, or you will have stencil ink on everything. Once you have cut your last two edges, you are ready to apply the stencil.