Do Tattoo Stencils Wash Off? [How To Remove]
Sometimes it happens that the tattoo artist uses a tattoo stencil before making a tattoo on your skin. Later, they forget to remove it when your tattoo is done, leaving you on your own to take care of the matter. Luckily, it is no rocket science because tattoo stencils wash off easily.
You can clean your tattoo stencil by applying warm water with antibacterial soap. It will take several days to remove it entirely. If you want it gone quickly, consider using a stencil-removing spray.
Scroll down to see the full process of wiping off your tattoo stencils. I am sure you will find them more useful than artificial removers.
What Is A Tattoo Stencil?
A tattoo stencil is the layout of your tattoo design. Generally, the tattoo artists print it into thermal or hectograph papers. They use it as a lead to transfer the design into your skin. It helps them to build the tattoo foundation without making any slips or complications.
Your tattoo artist may also apply a stencil to show you how your chosen tattoo design would appear on your skin.
How Many Types Of Tattoo Stencils Are There?
There are usually two types. One is carbon paper, AKA hectograph paper people use to duplicate typed or printed documents.
Carbon paper has two layers. The top layer is for drawing or tracing the tattoo design, whereas the other layer takes the pressure of the outlining tool and inserts carbon from the first sheet to prepare the design. Other than the two, there is another sheet of tissue.
On the other hand, thermographic papers are the same as the ones used to make shirt transfers, which are printed through a thermographic printer. You will also find a protective sheet after using the stencil. However, most tattoo artists prefer carbon paper, as the thermographic ones require a specific printing machine.
How Long Does The Ink Of A Tattoo Stencil Last?
That depends on the ink type and its colors. For example, deep colors like red will take longer than others to fade. And, varying on your skin type, it can last from 2 to 7 days. But that is nothing to be concerned about because the stencil ink will not cause any harm to your tattoo or skin.
So, unless it is absolutely urgent, there is no need to dash to the market and get an artificial stencil remover. It is better to take the time and do it at home.
Do Tattoo Stencils Wash Off Easily?
Yes, they wash off. You can remove them even after they have dried. But the time and products to do that will differ, depending on your skin texture and the ink used to make the tattoo stencil.
There are different spraying products available online to remove a tattoo stencil. However, if you get tattoos frequently or have to remove them soon, you can buy them. Otherwise, it will not be necessary as you can do it at home by maintaining a simple routine. There will be no trace of the stencil after some days.
How Can I Get The Tattoo Stencil Ink Off My Skin?
Here goes the list of stuff you can to get rid of tattoo stencil.
1. Body Scrub
You can apply a mild body scrub. Using an exfoliating scrub on your temporary tattoo stencil will rub it off within a short time.
You can DIY it with simple ingredients like sugar, coconut oil, and a tiny portion of essential oil (3 to 5 drops should do it). It will enable you to remove the stencil cozily and cost-efficiently.
2. Coconut Oil
If you do not have the time to prepare a scrub, you can apply some coconut oil as an alternative. It can efficiently eliminate a temporary tattoo. Put a few drops on your stencil and keep rubbing it in tiny circles as long as the stencil does not come off your skin.
3. Cold Cream
Yes, why not? If it can remove heavy makeup, it will certainly work on temporary tattoos.
Put a little cold cream on your stencil and rub it. Then take a washcloth to scrub and wipe off the tattoo. If there is no cold cream at your home, you can try different makeup removers, too.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
Take some cotton balls first. Then soak them in rubbing alcohol and rub them gently on the stencil area until it wears off.
Let it settle in the stencil for a sec or two before scrubbing it off. And that will do the trick of wiping out your temporary tattoo.
5. Mouthwash
Mouthwash can also rid you of your tattoo stencil. Pour a dash of mouthwash and let it break the stencil. Meanwhile, take a paper towel or a soft cloth and soak it in lukewarm water to rub that off.
What Should I Avoid During The Tattoo Stencil Removal Process?
Avoid rubbing your new tattoo with a cloth or your fingernails at any cost. It could severely damage the tattoo, affecting the tattoo recovery and creating scars on your skin. Besides, it will hurt the tattooed area.
Also, avoid any type of household cleaning items like bleach. It will not only remove the stencil lines but also cause serious skin problems.
Final Words
Carrying a tattoo stencil with your freshly made tattoo can feel like a burden. But do not ask your tattoo artist not to use it because it helps them avoid mistakes and keep the outcome flawless.
Besides, they will wash off within a few days without affecting your tattoo’s healing process. You can use simple and homely ingredients for that. While you can always try artificial sprays to pace up the fading, it will be a costly and unnecessary investment.
Only following the alternatives mentioned in the article will wipe off the stencil paper safely while contributing to the maintenance of your new tattoo. Besides, remember to take suggestions from your tattooist in that regard. Good luck!
