You’ve opened up the bathroom cabinet and all you’ve got on hand is antiperspirant spray and that creamy roll-on that leaves a white residue. There’s no SpeedStick to be found. So, you need to know how to apply a tattoo stencil without deodorant.
First, we’re happy you’re not going to try using Vaseline the transfer a tattoo or relying on a homemade tattoo stencil solution without doing a little research first. You already know you can’t use any old deodorant for tattoos – only the clear gel works, but it’s not as effective as professional tattoo stencil cream.
The whole point of using stencil solution isn’t just to get the tattoo outline to stick to the skin. You need it to stay put during the tattooing process and not disappear as you wipe.
What can I use to transfer a tattoo stencil onto skin?
Professional artists use Stencil Stuff and similar products because they get the job done with minimal hassle. Let’s talk about why.
Stencil Stuff Tattoo Stencil Application Solution
Here’s one of the best-selling stencil products for tattoo artists. There are several reasons why it’s a pro’s top choice.
To begin, it has withstood the test of time. In 2005, professional tattoo artists collaborated on its development. Since then, this American product has been used around the world while its performance was closely scrutinized by pros and amateurs alike.
Stencil Stuff allows the artist to transfer highly detailed, precise artwork to the skin. It works whether the stencil is hand-drawn or printed, and it’s compatible with different brands of transfer paper.
Compared to deodorant, this stencil solution prevents the artwork from smudging and erasing for longer while the artist is working and wiping the skin. It makes it so you don’t have to gray line or bloodline.
What’s more, it’s safe for most skin types as it’s 100% non-toxic. The vegan-friendly formula also saves money in the long run because it prevents cross-contamination. Instead of cracking open a fresh stick of deodorant for every client, all you need to do is dispense enough solution from the bottle to meet each tattoo’s needs.
Lastly, it’s manufactured under sanitary conditions, which is more than we can say for homemade stencil stuff. After you’ve gone to all the work of prepping the skin to prevent infection, it’s important to use sterile tattoo products, too.
Pros:
- Created by professional tattoo artists in 2005
- Worldwide bestseller, has withstood the test of time
- Simplifies transferring stencils and keeps the lines crisp and clear while tattooing
- Non-toxic, vegan friendly, and made in the USA
Cons:
- If you’re only doing one tattoo, speed stick is cheaper. But over the long run, Stencil Stuff saves money and puts less waste in the landfill
How do you transfer a tattoo stencil?
Before we go any further, let’s talk about how to transfer a tattoo stencil.
Let’s try it with deodorant first.
Begin by cleansing the skin and shaving it (if necessary) with a disposable razor.
Next, open a fresh speed stick clear gel deodorant and apply it generously over the skin where the tattoo will go. Go a little beyond the space needed by the tattoo. The deodorant should feel tacky. If it’s too wet, rub it around a bit until it starts to dry.
Take the stencil and press the ink side down onto the deodorant and the skin. Rub carefully and firmly without sliding the paper around. This works best if you use one hand to hold the paper in place. Let it dry before peeling it up.
Now, lift a corner of the paper and see if the ink has imprinted on the skin. If not, continue pressing down. If it’s completely dry already but the ink hasn’t transferred you may have to start over.
Remember to throw away the deodorant when you clean up after the tattooing process because it can’t be used again on the next client.
It gets expensive to purchase deodorant in bulk even when it’s travel-sized. That’s just one of the reasons why we suggest a tattoo stencil solution instead. Worse, deodorant may cause irritation or clog pores on freshly shaved skin.
Here’s how to apply a tattoo stencil with transfer cream instead of deodorant.
After you’ve cleansed and shaved, dispense a drop and spread a thin layer of solution across the skin. If you use too much, you might end up distorting the ink.
Once it’s mostly dry but still sticky, press the stencil into place, ink side down. Work from the inside out to the edges. Don’t slide it around – just wait until it’s dry (about 15 minutes) before lifting an edge and peeking. When you lift the paper, it may also lift the skin a little bit and that’s normal.
In conclusion, it doesn’t just save money and help the environment when you use stencil solution instead of deodorant. It also ensures that the stencil stands up to wiping and keeps the skin moisturized without causing irritation.
Electrum Tattoo Premium Transfer Stencil Primer Gel
This pleasant-smelling transfer gel isn’t just non-toxic, it’s also skin-friendly and safe for all skin types. It can transfer carbon stencils and hand-drawn Sharpie stencils, too. Similar to Stencil Stuff, it’s also a vegan product that’s made in the USA.
Moreover, it’s economical. A dime-sized amount is enough to transfer a forearm tattoo stencil.
The only complaint we have is that it takes a little while to dry – up to 20 minutes.
Pros:
- Non-toxic, vegan, and made in the USA
- Safe for all skin types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Economical
Cons:
- A little slower to dry than some options
What’s the recipe for homemade stencil stuff?
Don’t get us started on homebrew solutions. Licensed tattoo professionals have standards to meet that ensure the well-being of their clients. If you want to find out how to DIY stencil solution, we’re certain you’ll find plenty of so-called experts happy to tell you their idea as long as it gets them clicks.
We only recommend safe and effective tattoo transfer gel like the one below. Come on, if you want to be a pro, you need the right tools and it’s worth the investment.
HOLD FAST STENCIL SOLUTION
This is as homebrew as we get. Here’s a stencil gel developed with artist Myke Chambers in Europe. It’s dermatologically tested and surprisingly soothing for the skin.
There are eleven ingredients including aloe juice and an allergen-free fragrance. It’s packaged in a pump top bottle for convenience and there’s plenty inside for a multitude of tattoos.
Pros:
- Soothing transfer gel with aloe juice
- Mild fresh fragrance
- Dermatologically-tested
- Packaged in a pump top bottle
Cons:
- If it’s a small tattoo you’re transferring, don’t press down the pump all the way because it will dispense too much
How to transfer tattoo stencil to skin without Stencil Stuff?
No, you don’t have to buy a famous name brand to get adequate performance. (And you don’t need to use deodorant, either). We discovered a cult following for this transfer gel among stick and poke artists.
Illusionist Magic Creator Tattoo Stencil Transfer Gel
This brand of stencil solution comes with a satisfaction guarantee. If it doesn’t make you happy, you can get your money back.
The vegan formula is described as quick-drying and we can’t complain about the results. The ink stays put during the session, the lines are crisp and clear, and it doesn’t take much gel to get the job done. It even has a nice scent.
On the downside, be frugal because if you use too much solution it may make the carbon run.
Pros:
- Comes with a satisfaction guarantee
- Lightweight gel dries quickly
- Has a pleasant scent
Cons:
- If too much is used, the ink may run
Stencil Prep Spray
While we’re on a roll, let us introduce you to stencil spray. It’s convenient to spritz it on, but you’ll probably still want to spread the liquid with your hand to make sure every inch is covered.
It’s an American-made solution designed to transfer methyl violet stencils. Yes, that’s the purple ink on carbon paper. It works whether you’ve drawn the stencil by hand or printed it on an inkjet. In fact, the brand recommends the Epson Eco-Tank printer and matching stencil paper because that kind of setup is way cheaper than thermal paper and printers.
What’s more, the stencil solution keeps the ink from fading if you wipe with green soap. It works on all skin types, too.
The ingredients are vegan and the formula is quite simple. There’s no artificial fragrance or unnecessary ingredients. Buy it by the bottle or the gallon.
Pros:
- American-made stencil spray designed for all skin types
- Fixes methyl violet ink on skin, stands up to repeated wiping with green soap
- Vegan formula with no added fragrance
Cons:
- Some complaints about the nozzle spraying forcefully
How do you make a red tattoo stencil stick to your skin?
You’re familiar with purple transfer paper, but what about red and green? Do you need special stencil solution for those inks? Brands like S8 cell red-colored and green-colored transfer cream or you can use something like the product below.
Recovery Tattoo Stencil Lock Solution Cream
This tattoo stencil cream works with S8 red stencil paper as well as the regular purple carbon paper. It keeps the ink from smudging, plus it’s made for sensitive skin and noses.
The formula is fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free. Just as important, the lightweight texture won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Compatible with various colors of transfer paper
- No artificial fragrance, color, or parabens
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons:
- The same with any other stencil solution – don’t use too much
Tattoo STENCIL by VIKING INK
We could argue that this is the fastest-drying stencil gel. You can peel off the paper after only ten minutes. It transfers Sharpie ink and carbon stencils without issue.
Like much of its competitors, it’s vegan and non-toxic. What’s also nice is that it comes in three different sizes so you can give it a try without spending a lot of cash.
There’s a catch, however. The stencil solution won’t stand up to alcohol – but you’re not wiping with alcohol, are you? The good news is that if you scrub the stencil, the alcohol will erase it so you can try again.
The fragrance-free formula features aloe to soothe and hydrate the skin. Be sure to shake the bottle for about ten seconds before using it.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free gel with aloe to soothe the skin
- Made in the USA with non-toxic, vegan ingredients
- Dries in only 10 minutes
Cons:
- Not resistant to alcohol
| The best tattoo stencil solutions | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Stencil Stuff Tattoo Stencil Application Solution |
|
| Electrum Tattoo Premium Transfer Stencil Primer Gel |
|
| HOLD FAST STENCIL SOLUTION |
|
| Illusionist Magic Creator Tattoo Stencil Transfer Gel |
|
| Stencil Prep Spray |
|
| Recovery Tattoo Stencil Lock Solution Cream |
|
| Tattoo STENCIL by VIKING INK |
|
Conclusion
We hope you found the answers you need today. Although there are several ways to apply a tattoo stencil besides deodorant, we think you’ll be pleased with any of the professional tattoo products we reviewed. If you’re happy with the tattoo stencil solution you found, drop us a line about it below.