For a new tattoo artist, it is crucial to understand how to use tattoo transfer paper to maximize your professional skills and increase the quality of your art. So, which tattoo transfer paper works better for you, and what are the pros and cons of each? Let’s dive right into this post to discover!
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Contents
- 1 The Two Options You Have: Thermograph And Hectograph
- 2 Why Should You Use Tattoo Transfer Papers?
- 3 How to Use Tattoos Transfer Paper? Hectograph/Freehand Tattoo Transfer Paper: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4 How to Use Tattoo Transfer Paper? Thermographic Paper: Step-by-Step Guide
- 5 What Are The Pros and Cons Of Hand-Drawn And Thermal Printer Tattoo Transfer Paper?
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Final Thoughts
The Two Options You Have: Thermograph And Hectograph
Basically, thermograph and hectograph are two popular tattoo transfer paper options that most artists use while tattooing. Based on your skills and experiences, you might choose either method. Scroll down to learn the differences.
Option 1: Thermograph
The thermograph tattoo transfer paper method is a process of using thermogenic image transfer. It is an easy way to start with since you are not required to open your eyes widely and pay attention to every line while drawing a tattoo with this option.
Option 2: Hectograph
Hectograph is also known as the freehand transfer paper method. Thanks to the carbon copy sheet, the tattoo will be designed and directly applied to your skin before tattooing. However, artists will draw the tattoo design themselves.
Other Methods
In addition to the two below-mentioned methods, people still utilize some less common alternatives such as vaseline, wax paper, or even parchment paper to transfer their tattoo images.
Why Should You Use Tattoo Transfer Papers?
Tattoo transfer paper can be helpful in reaching the qualifications your customers want to achieve. It will allow you to follow every line, stroke, and tattoo detail without accidentally making any mistakes. Hence, if you want to reach the professional level, it is crucial to learn how to use tattoo paper.
Most experienced tattoo artists can sketch the idea of the tattoo in customers’ bodies (the Hectograph method) and start using ink after the customers are satisfied with the drawing. Remember that this drawing process might sound easy, but it takes a lot of experience and skills.
If you are a newbie, it would be better to start with the thermograph instead of a freehand drawing. The lack of experience and skills of a green artist might mess up the tattoo “sketch.” Instead, you can practice stenciling your tattoo properly to help simplify your linework.
How to Use Tattoos Transfer Paper? Hectograph/Freehand Tattoo Transfer Paper: Step-by-Step Guide
Here is the complete guide on how to using transfer paper a hectograph tattoo transfer paper from design to applying the design on the skin:
Step 1: Design the Tattoo
Now, you can start drawing your design. The process is quite easy. You will draw all the details on the top sheet, and the bottom sheets will copy all of your lines. Ensure you do this step as carefully as possible.
When happy with the result, cut the design and move to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare
It is possible to remove any imperfections on the skin so the images will come as accurately and detailed as possible later on.
Step 3: Align the Tattoo thermographic Transfer Paper on the Right Spot
Try your best to locate the design in the right position you want to get the tattoo. Be patient because it can take a while. After that, wet the design with a wet cloth and wipe it up and down.
Step 4: Remove the Transfer Paper
When the tattoo is properly aligned in your skin, remove the transfer paper. Please pay close attention to the design lines on your skin to ensure you will correctly tattoo it later on. If you are not happy with the design or have some issues, you can redraw the design until things are done well.
How to Use Tattoo Transfer Paper? Thermographic Paper: Step-by-Step Guide
This tattoo transfer option is less time-consuming and quite easy, but you still need to follow this guide step by step to ensure the design perfectly applies to the skin.
Step 1: Tattoo Design with a Pencil and White paper
First, you need to create a new tattoo design using a pencil and a white paper sheet.
Step 2: Prepare Your Sheet
After you finish with the designing process, spot the sheet between the yellow bottom sheet and the purple ink layer. Then, slide the sheet between these two ones. Now, you will see your drawing located in the third sheet (from top to bottom.)
Step 3: Insert the Sheets into a Tattoo Thermogenic Transfer Maker
It’s time to insert all the sheets of the original design paper into your tattoo thermogenic transfer maker. When these sheets have run through the thermogenic machine, get rid of the piece of paper on the top to see your design laying under it.
Step 4: Prepare The Skin Before Tattooing
Now, clean your skin and ensure there are no imperfections that might mess up the details of the transfer paper.
Step 5: Properly Align the Design
While aligning the design on your skin, you can smooth it out with a little bit of pressure. After that, gently pull the paper out to see the full design on your skin.
Warning: Sometimes, the paper might not load properly and cause the paper to wrinkle. In this case, you might need to cut the stencil out if it is unstable and reprint the design in a new thermal paper sheet.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Hand-Drawn And Thermal Printer Tattoo Transfer Paper?
Hand-Drawn Tattoo Transfer Paper
Pros:
- It is easier to convey all of your ideas without a digital obstacle.
- You can draw your tattoo design several times before choosing a tattoo machine.
- The design would be artistic and unique if the artist is experienced enough.
Cons:
- When your clients want to change the tattoo size, you will need to start drawing everything from the beginning. The changes in size and details will take a long period of time to fix.
- Making a design backup is complicated if the stencil is ruined.
Thermal Printer Tattoo
Pros:
- Artists can resize the tattoo whenever they want without having to redraw the whole design paper.
- It is easier for newbie artists to use this method as it does not require too much experience.
- You can easily print as many versions as you want to show your customers until they are happy with the final pick.
- It is time- and energy-efficient as you will not have to open your eyes widely and pay close attention to the drawing over a long time.
Con:
- Artists will not have the chance to improve their skills if they constantly work with this method.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are quite a few questions that are asked by many tattoo artists, especially the new ones. Let’s take a look.
Is It Hard to Purchase A Transfer Paper?
As long as your place is accessible with Internet and shipping services, it might not be too hard to find transfer papers, either thermography or hectograph. Therefore, if you cannot find them in stores, try to order them online on different reselling platforms.
Is A Regular Printer Good Enough To Replace A Transfer Paper?
Let’s break down this question into two parts: can you use a printer, and is the printer good enough to replace a transfer paper.
Can you use a regular printer for tattoo transfer paper? The answer is yes, you can. A regular printer has the function of creating basic tattoo transfer paper, and you can use it if you want to.
Unfortunately, the regular printer may not be good enough to replace a transfer paper. If you want to create a high-quality tattoo for your customers, it is better to stick with the two main tattoo transfer paper options we have covered in this blog. As these two options are specifically for tattooing, the paper will convey more details, and therefore, your tattoos can also look better.
Transfer a tattoo from paper to skin?
Apply the stencil to the skin (do not rub as it may create smudges) and leave it on for a few minutes. Next, the tattoo artist carefully peels off the paper. Both the client and the tattooist should check the placement and clarity of the design.
How to use a pencil for tattoo transfer paper?
The freelance tattoo artist draws your tattoo designs onto the front of the paper with a pencil. Your drawing will be accurately copied onto the back of the transfer paper, which can then be glued to the skin.
Should You Use Deodorant for Tattoo Transfer Paper?
Tattoo stencils allow a tattooist to sketch out an idea of what they will tattoo on a client. The tattooist applies deodorant to the skin before applying the stencil, you can be sure that the design will not be affected during the tattooing process.
Final Thoughts
At the end of this blog, you already have the basic information about how to using tattoo transfer paper. It is not easy to say which paper is better than the other because it depends on your experience, skills, customer demand, and certain situations.
In general, let’s start with a thermographic paper if you are a newbie and try to practice to level up to the freehand method. At no time will you be a master of using both tattoo transfer papers.
Further Reading: