Tattoo stencils are a simplified version of the final tattoo design. A simplified design is easy to work with; all colors and details will be filled in as the tattoo is applied permanently. Trace the basic lines of the selected tattoo design onto a piece of tracing paper. The result should resemble a simple coloring book picture.
Reversal may be necessary if the tattoo stencil is being traced by hand and there are numbers, letters or the orientation of the image is important. Reverse a tattoo stencil by turning the simplified drawing face down, placing a piece of tattoo transfer paper on top of the original drawing and tracing the reversed image.
The three methods of creating tattoo stencils are: thermal printers; carbon paper; and tattoo transfer paper. Thermal printers are the fastest way to create a tattoo stencil. Create a simplified tattoo drawing on a computer or by hand and scan it into the thermal printer, where it is transfered onto heat-sensitive paper. Carbon paper can be used to manually create a tattoo stencil. Use paperclips or staples to secure a piece of carbon paper, carbon side down, onto a plain sheet of tracing paper. Place the tattoo design over the carbon paper and trace it, being sure to apply steady pressure so that the lines are an even width apart. Tattoo transfer paper is another option. Transparent enough for tracing, tattoo transfer paper has a slick surface that allows ink to stay on the surface of the paper, making it easier to lift off onto the skin. Trace the image onto the tattoo transfer paper using high-quality ink, lead pencil or tattoo stencil fluid and a dip pen.
Cut away extra paper around the stencil, leaving enough of a border that the stencil can be lifted off of the skin without smudging the design. Disinfect and, if necessary, shave the area where the tattoo stencil will be applied. Apply a substance such as alcohol, clear stick deodorant or liquid soap to help transfer the design to the skin. Lightly press the stencil so that the trace is transferred onto the skin, being careful not to move the stencil and smudge the design. Slowly lift the stencil off of the area. Wait for the stencil to dry before beginning the permanent tattooing.
If the customer or tattoo artist is unhappy with the placement or overall look of the tattoo stencil, the stencil can be easily removed with rubbing alcohol or whatever substance was used to transfer the stencil onto the skin.