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How to Use Thermal Fax Paper for Tattooing

Thermal fax paper is used in tattoo shops to create stencils. Stencils are applied to the client's skin to give the tattoo artist a reference to follow when performing a tattoo. Known by different names, thermal fax paper is also referred to as spirit, carbon and transfer paper. The paper consists of three sheets: yellow, white and purple. The purple sheet is the one to use if you or the tattoo shop does not have a Thermo-Fax machine.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermal fax paper
  • Pencil
  • White paper
  • Tape
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the white and yellow sheets from the thermal fax paper. Three sheets are connected at the top of the paper; just pull the top two off gently. Set the yellow and white sheets to the side or dispose of them.

    • 2

      Draw the tattoo design onto a piece of unlined, white paper. Place the white paper over the purple part of the thermal fax paper and tape the two pieces to the table. The tape will prevent the design from moving, so it does not smudge or smear.

    • 3

      Trace over the design on the white piece of paper with a pencil. Use even pressure to ensure that all of the lines in the design transfer. Start with the outline of the design. Trace the details, going from top to bottom so there are not any lines missed.

    • 4

      Remove the tape and turn the white paper over. The design should be on the back of the white paper in the color purple. Make sure all of the lines have transferred.

    • 5

      Cut around the design to remove any excess paper. The stencil is now ready to apply to the client to perform the tattoo.

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