How to Apply Temporary Tattoo Stickers

Apply temporary tattoo stickers to your skin.

While children have been keen on temporary tattoos for years, applying these small decorations on arms and legs, the world of temporary tattoos is expanding into the older generations more and more. Some temporary tattoos are of such high quality and have such detail that they resemble real tattoos after you affix them to your skin. Apply temporary tattoo stickers to your skin carefully. They should last for several days, depending upon your skin and on how you maintain the tattoo.

Things You'll Need

• Razor (optional)
• Hand soap
• Towel
• Washcloth

Instructions

1. Shave the skin area where you will affix the tattoo if you have excess hair covering this skin. A nominal amount of hair should not affect the tattoo, but a man's hairy arm, for example, may not be a suitable surface for a tattoo. Remove only the hair that may interfere with the tattoo.

2. Wash the skin area where you will affix the tattoo with the hand soap. (If you just shaved this area, omit this step.) Dry the skin thoroughly. Do not proceed with affixing the tattoo until the skin is completely dry.

3. Peel away the clear layer of plastic that covers the tattoo and discard this.

4. Saturate the washcloth with water and wring it out.

5. Place the tattoo onto your skin in the desired position. Make sure it is straight and facing the way you desire before you proceed.

6. Hold the tattoo in place and lay the wet washcloth over the tattoo. Make sure you cover the entire tattoo with the washcloth to saturate the paper backing of the tattoo sticker.

7. Leave the washcloth over the tattoo for at least 40 seconds.

8. Remove the washcloth and peek under one corner of the tattoo to see if the tattoo is on your skin or if it is still on the paper. If you see the tattoo completely on your skin, carefully lift the paper from your skin. If you see the tattoo still on the paper, press it back down and cover it back up with the washcloth for another 30 seconds.

9. Remove the tattoo backing when the tattoo is on your skin completely. Allow the tattoo to dry for approximately 10 minutes before you touch it.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Body Graphics, the average duration for a temporary tattoo to last on skin is approximately one week, but tattoos may last as long as three weeks or as little as two days.

• Using some soaps on the tattoo area may reduce the longevity of the decoration.

References

• Body Graphics: Application Instructions