How To Use a Tattoo Stencil Machine

Tattoo Stencil machines or stencil printers are a great way to get the tattoo more eye-catching. Do you know how to use a tattoo stencil machine?

To use a tattoo stencil machine, you will need a paper with your design and carbon paper. Place them in the specific slots on the stencil machine faced down. Press the button labeled ‘Copy’ and your design will be ready for a tattoo.

Stencil tattoos are very much popular among artists. There are some facts that should be considered while using a stencil printer. You won’t be able to get the expected design if you miss any of them.

Go through the article to know more about tattoo stencil machines.

What Are The Steps To Use the Stencil Machine?

If you are a beginner, I am going to guide you on how you should use the stencil machine to get your design ready for a tattoo. Following are the steps you should follow –

Step 1: Making Everything Ready

Get your design on a piece of paper and make sure the orientation and the sizing are perfect. You can resize it from the computer before printing.

Step 2: Get Carbon Paper

You will need carbon paper. There will be a protective sheet, remove the sheet.

Step 3: Inserting in Slots

Insert the carbon paper on the slot that is placed on the upper portion and insert the paper with the design on the front slot. Make sure they are inserted face down.

Step 4: Start Printing

Press the ‘copy’ button. You will have your design printed. Remove the black layer and your design will be ready for use.

By following these simple steps, you will get your design prepared for a tattoo. A stencil machine is very easy to use. Just make sure that your design is in the right shape and place them carefully on the machine.

Relevant Article: Best Pens For Tattoo Stencil

How To Use a Tattoo Stencil Machine

Do Tattoo Artists Use Stencils?

Yes, nowadays most tattoo artists use the thermal fax or the stencil machine. Sometimes it may require showing the customer the output or end result before starting the drawing. A stencil machine will help you to show them that. If they like the design you will just need to transfer that onto the skin.

Read More: How to Make Tattoo Stencils

What Can You Stencil On?

It’s not possible to stencil on everything. If you try to stencil on a rough or textured surface then you won’t get the expected result. This is why it’s recommended to shave the skin before drawing a tattoo and use Vaseline. This will make the area suitable for the stencil.

Do You Need a Stencil Printer For a Big Tattoo?

This actually depends on whether you are a professional or not. You should have an original design of the tattoo on your work station during making a tattoo. You can even have a design that you made on your client’s skin. If you prefer a stencil on the skin then you can have it as a reference as well.

Tattoo Stencil
image: inkrevolt

It doesn’t matter if the tattoo is big or small. Using stencil paper totally depends on your skill. It’s always recommended to have the design in your sightline during making a tattoo. You may not require anything if you have been making tattoos for over 2 decades.

Is a Stencil Machine Good For Tattoos?

A stencil machine can save your time and will make the tattooing process simpler. They are very popular as they are a great way to portray how the tattoo is going to look after finishing. The stencil machine decreases the chance of error while drawing as well.

How Do I Remove a Tattoo Stencil?

You need to follow specific instructions to remove a tattoo stencil. Firstly, if there is any trace of stencil left after the tattoo then don’t worry. This will automatically come off when you wash the tattoo.

Secondly, if you want to remove the stencil that was placed incorrectly then try to conduct your artist if you are the customer. You should use a mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol to get rid of that. You can also use baby wipes to remove the tattoo stencil.

Can You Use a Regular Printer For Tattoo Stencils?

Yes, you may use a regular printer for tattoo stencils. Tattoos are normally printed on carbon paper using thermal machines. If you use the required paper in your home printer you can create tattoo stencils at home.

Check the image size on your computer if it’s the right size. Place it in the machine and print it on carbon paper. After printing, make sure the paper is completely dried. Cut out the design from the paper. Gently apply glycerine to the tattoo area & place the carbon paper on the area. Rub on the paper to make sure the design is placed perfectly.

Tattoo Stencil - Phoenix
image: inkrevolt

You won’t get a perfect tattoo by using the mentioned procedures. If you don’t have a stencil machine or you want to try a regular printer only then you may try these steps.

Can You Use Vaseline to Apply a Tattoo Stencil?

Yes, you can use Vaseline and it’s even recommended to apply vaseline into a tattoo stencil. Before placing the tattoo, apply vaseline on the area you are going to apply the design.

This decreases the roughness of the skin that is essential for the stencil on the skin. Using vaseline eliminates the probability of skin trauma and also makes the procedures more hygienic.

Final Words

Stencil machines are very simple to use. They are getting popular among tattoo artists as they portray the end result even before starting the drawing. If you don’t know how to use a tattoo stencil machine, you won’t get the proper result.

The article tried to cover the steps as well as some facts you should consider while using a stencil machine. I guess you are no more confused about the functionality of a stencil machine.

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