Why Use a Tattoo Stencil by Electrum tattoo supply?

Sure, it might seem like a no-brainer—but it’s worth repeating: stencils are essential. They save time, lock in placement, and give your client peace of mind before the needle even touches skin. Even the most seasoned artists don’t freehand everything, because clients expect consistency and confidence. A solid stencil keeps your design sharp, your workflow smooth, and your client happy.

How Tattoo Stencil Paper Works

Tattoo stencil papers are specifically designed for the tattoo industry. Most versions come in layers:

•  Top layer: Where you draw or print your design.
•  Bottom (Carbon) layer: Transfers the image to the skin.

No matter what paper you use, the steps are similar:

1.  Draw or print your design on the top sheet.
2. Transfer the design to cleaned, prepped skin.

These days, most artists design digitally and print with a thermal printer. But you can still go old school with hand-drawn designs.

Types of Tattoo Stencil Paper

There are three main types of tattoo stencil paper: tracing paper, thermal paper, and hectograph paper. The kind you use depends mostly on whether you prefer to draw stencils by hand or digitally.

Hectograph (Freehand) Paper

Hectograph or freehand paper is better for hand-drawn stencils. However, some artists would rather use thermal paper for their hand-drawn stencils. It’s tough, smudge-resistant, and flexible—perfect for artists who like to switch between freehand and printed designs. It typically has three layers: 

1. A top layer to draw on.
2. A middle layer to prevent the sheets from sticking together.
3. A bottom layer that becomes the stencil.

Thermal Paper

Thermal paper, the industry standard, is compatible with thermal printers and digitally created images. It comes in four layers:

1. Top layer: The design is printed or drawn here.
2. Middle brown (onion) layer: Removed before printing. (often called the onion layer)
3. Carbon ink layer
4. Bottom protective layer

Tracing Paper

Tracing paper consists of a single translucent sheet. It’s typically used to freehand design drafts to later trace the final design onto a carbon sheet or hectograph paper.

How to Print Stencils with a Thermal Copier

What You’ll Need:

• Saferly Bluetooth Stencil Printer or similar copier
• Thermal Copier Paper
• Power cable
• Tattoo Gloves
• Stencil transfer gel, like Recovery Stencil Lock
• Replacement bulbs (if needed))

 Instructions:

1. Pull out your thermal paper packet (carbon + onion + top sheet).
2. Open the copier lid.
3. Remove the onion layer and the yellow sheet.
4. Feed the white top sheet into the copier from back to front. Be sure the carbon side is facing down.
5. Pull paper through until the crease lines up with the lid, then lock.
6. Lay your printed design face-down in the feed slot and press copy.
7. Peel back the carbon layer from the thermal copier paper packet.

You now have a reverse copy of your tattoo design that you can apply to your client’s skin.

How to Print Stencils with a Bluetooth Thermal Printer

What You’ll Need:

• Saferly Bluetooth Printer or similar thermal printer
• Saferly Thermal Printer Paper 
• A phone, tablet, or computer (for the TattooPrinter app)
• Tattoo Gloves

Saferly Bluetooth Printer Instructions:

1. Connect the printer to your device.
2. Open your design in the TattooPrinter app and mirror it horizontally.
3. Fold and tear off the yellow layer of the stencil paper.
4. Remove the protective film from the carbon layer.
5. Load the carbon paper face-down, white side up.
6. Send the tattoo design to the printer from the app by selecting “Print”.
7. Remove the carbon sheet from the white sheet containing your tattoo design.

You now have a reverse copy of your tattoo design that you can apply to your client’s skin.

How to Apply a Tattoo Stencil

Making the stencil is only half the job. Here's how to apply it right every time.

1. Decide Where to Put the Stencil: Even if your client knows where they want their tattoo to be, it’s up to you to ensure it’s placed perfectly. Having your client stand during stencil application is a good idea if your tattooing areas that can stretch or compress, like the abdomen.
2. Prep the Skin: Wash your client’s skin with Green Soap. Then, shave and disinfect the area before applying; stencils transfer and stay in place best when the client’s skin is clean and smooth.
   
3. Apply Transfer Solution: Apply a thin layer of Recovery Stencil Lock or Stencil Stuff to your client’s skin. These ointments help speed up stencil drying time, prevent smudging, and keep stencil lines crisp and clear.
4. Place the Stencil: Press it firmly, let it dry fully (15–20 minutes), then peel it off.

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