How To Make A Tattoo Stencil? [Foolproof Guide]
If you are making DIY tattoos or you have just started tattooing as a beginning artist, tattoo stencils would greatly help you create a neat pathway while tattooing. You might find it too complicated and structured, but it is not like that. Moreover, it is really helpful.
Making tattoo stencils is a simple process with several steps. It includes you designing an image or tracing it onto tracing papers. After that, you have to transfer it onto the skin where the tattoo will be.
It is essential to use tattoo stencils because they help you make a proper tattoo transfer to enable the tattoo to stay forever. So, if you are wondering how to make a tattoo stencil on your own, read till the end.
What Will I Need To Make A Tattoo Stencil?
Making tattoo stencils at home requires a few things. First, get masking tape, glycerin-based stick deodorant or stencil lotion, antibacterial soaps, wax, tracing, or carbon papers. Along with them, find a razor and a pen that has a pointy tip.
If you have all of that, you are good to go. Let’s jump into the process now.
How Do Tattoo Artists Transfer Designs
Tattoo artists use various methods to transfer designs onto the skin before tattooing. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Freehand drawing: Some tattoo artists prefer to draw directly onto the skin with a sterile marker or pen. This method allows for more creative freedom and can result in a more unique design.
- Stencils: Stencils are a popular method for transferring designs onto the skin. The tattoo artist can create a stencil by tracing the design onto transfer paper, which is then applied to the skin and transferred using a special liquid or gel.
- Thermal transfer machines: Thermal transfer machines use heat to transfer a design onto transfer paper, which is then applied to the skin and transferred using a special liquid or gel. This method is quick and efficient, but requires a specialized machine and transfer paper.
- Carbon transfer paper: Carbon transfer paper can be used to transfer designs onto the skin. The tattoo artist places the carbon paper on top of the design, then traces over it with a stylus or pen, transferring the design onto the skin.
How To Make A Tattoo Stencil In Easy Steps
Step 1: Sketching The Design
Gather the necessary materials in place to start sketching the design. You can try doing it on regular papers till it becomes perfect. Or, if you have a design already printed out, you can start with the second step since you have a design ready for tracing.
Whatever you do, the printed design or the free-hand sketch should have bold outlines that you can see through the wax or tattoo transfer paper.
Step: 2 Tracing On To The Wax Or Transfer Paper
In the second step, you are to trace the wax paper above the design print and use your tattoo stencil pen carefully to trace your tattoo design onto that paper.
While you are at it, confirm that the paper and the design sheet lie still on some solid and smooth work surface. Then, grab the masking tape and tape down the objects’ edges to prevent the paper and sheet movement. Here, one thing you have to notice is the tape quality. It has to be easy to remove. Otherwise, when you remove it later, it will damage your transfer paper.
Once the tracing part is complete, remove the tape gently, ensuring that the design will remain intact. You will eventually print the tattoo on your client’s or your skin on the right. If you worry that the image will come off reversed, remember that the print will be on the right way on the skin.
It would be great if you could trace it over something capable of illuminating the image. Some examples of that are desks having a lightbox or drafting tables. But if you are reluctant to spend your money purchasing such equipment, simply put the paper and the sheet on glass windows. That way, the sunlight can filter through and let you see your tattoo image in the day to trace.
Step 3: Transferring The Design To The Skin
The tattoo stencil should now be prepared for the design transfer if you have successfully gone through the first two steps. The body area where you will make the tattoo needs to be well-prepared first for the process to go smoothly. You have to keep that area neat and clean for safety and accurate transference.
You can shave the skin with your razor as a part of cleaning it. After that, you should wash the area with mild water and antibacterial soap. Next, use some stencil lotion on your skin. It will help the ink sit properly. Once you are done, you can do the final task.
Now, one thing to note here is that the side of the fluid has to face the skin when you apply the ink. So then, you will pat the area carefully and check that all of it is covered. Make small taps while patting. Do not rub. The ink will get smudged if you rub it. Let the stencil rest on your skin for two to three minutes for a proper design transfer.
When the time is over, remove the stencil paper gently from your skin. Now any professional tattoo artist can ink the tattoo by using their tattoo machines.
Are There Other Ways To Make A Tattoo Stencil?
Why would you need other ways when you already know a very convenient one? Just kidding. Of course, there are more ways. Keep reading, find them out, and choose which one works the best for you.
How To Make A Tattoo Stencil With A Deodorant?
This is a very fun method. Apply some deodorant before you make a tattoo is a foolproof way to make the tattoo design stay. As the deodorant contains certain chemicals, you should be thorough with the cleaning process. Shave the area to be tattooed, wash it, and let it dry wholly before moving forward.
Now apply your deodorant to that part of your body and cover it to prevent any mishaps. When the stencil ink contacts the skin, dab it softly with your fingers.
The other methods include using carbon papers, tracing papers, and regular printers. I am not going into their details because I have already mentioned them as alternatives in the three steps I laid out. So hopefully, you have already understood how and where to use them after reading the steps.
How To Make A Tattoo Stencil Solution At Home?
It is necessary to have an accurate solution before beginning to create a tattoo stencil. And preparing the solution at home is cost-effective and requires less time.
You will need a bar of liquid soap, a stick of deodorant, and some cleansing alcohol. The first step of the procedure is to melt the deodorant stick. You can do that using a microwave. Then grab the bottle and put one-third portion of the melted stick of deodorant in it. Then shake it thoroughly after adding some alcohol and soap.
How To Prepare A Stick Of Tattoo Stencil?
Learning to prepare a tattoo stencil stick has the same importance as knowing the design and making the solution. Many tattoo artists often follow this quick and effortless method.
While there are no strict rules about it, you could take note of some things to make it work better. For instance, you could use the stick of a popsicle. It is a suitable object for making a stick. But if you cannot manage one, grab something you can easily grip and make sure the skin does not get chafed by it. Plus, if the object’s surface is good enough for the ink application, that would be a bonus.
What Kind Of Designs Should I Pick For A Tattoo Stencil?
The designs of tattoo stencils have different meanings and symbols for tier users. At present, people usually prefer abstract designs. On the other hand, some like to have a tattoo with a fashionable representation of things that matter to them. Some also look for a touch of metaphors to be in their tattoos.
The aesthetic appeal of the design is another criterion here. Since it will be with one for a considerably long time, it is best to select something meaningful, fascinating, and thoughtful. You should not pick one on a whim only to regret it later.
On What Occasions Should I Make A Design Of A Tattoo Stencil?
Here is the best part. You do not need an official occasion to do this. Tattoo stencils appear to be impactful enough, even in casual situations. So you will find their use in bunches of events.
You can always associate tattoo stencils with the young generation and their endeavors. Since it does not require much effort and stay permanent, teenagers also find them intriguing.
The designs of tattoo stencils can be powerful motifs too. You can use them in pride parades and protest rallies. Generally, people get a tattoo stencil design on arms and wrists before participating in activities like that.
What Are The Differences Between Professional And DIY Tattoo Stencils?
I cannot directly answer this question because professional and DIY tattoo stencils are both argumentative. But here is what I can tell you to make a decision.
Some people learn how to make a tattoo stencil and do it as a pastime, but many do it as a profession. If you can do it right, you can establish a lucrative and potential business model. In addition, tattoo designs are becoming increasingly popular today.
So, if you get it done by a professional or do it yourself, you will undoubtedly stay in the trend. Therefore, you need to focus on the design selection because it should be something you find precious enough to be a part of your skin.
Finally, DIY designs have a lot of options. They give you the freedom to be creative. As long as you can make it correctly, you should not let go of the idea.
Some Tips To Help You Out
Since you need some corrosive components to make tattoo stencil designs, you can follow some cautionary tips.
- Sterilize the body area ideally during the process of cleaning and washing. If you opt for homemade methods, use the generally advised elements only.
- Be as accurate as you can while making your tattoo stencil.
- Be 200% sure about the design you have picked. It is of supreme importance that you love it since it will endorse your expressions.
What Can I Do To Make My Tattoo Stencil Stay?
You can use green soaps for that. It works effectively, lasts long, and is easy to make. Plus, it is not much costly. You can use it for your stencils and also during the process of tattooing. You can also use vaseline. It is old school, but it does the job too.
What Type Of Deodorant Is The Best One For Tattoos?
The Speed Stick roll-on deodorant is the recommended one here. When you apply after shaving your skin, cover it entirely with the roll-on.
Final Words
So, you need only 3 easy steps to learn how to make a tattoo stencil. Whether you make the art yourself or source it from Google, a tattoo stencil helps ensure the topmost accuracy in your final tattoo result.
Plus, it is a DIY and affordable method. I also discussed other ways to do it for your convenience since you may not find the required materials of one process readily available.
That’s all for now. Good luck making a tattoo stencil!
