Directions for the perfect airbrush tattoo
This page is a step-by-step directional guide for the best application and aftercare of our temporary tattoos. Following these instructions will give you the best opportunity to have a long-lasting, attractive airbrushed tattoo.
For instructional and illustrative purposes, we are assuming you are using the line of Temptu Dura Airbrush Tattoo Paint found on our site, as well as the Temptu Classic Tattoo Stencils. If a different paint is being used, or even possibly a different stencil, these instructions may yield an unsatisfactory or unexpected result.
Step 1
Choose your stencil and select the area of the body you are placing the design. Clean the area of skin where the tattoo is to be applied with Isopropyl rubbing alcohol (70%), available at most drugstores.
Step 2
Shake the paint well. Pour the needed amount into your top feed airbrush cup or your bottom-feed bottle, depending on the airbrush being used.
Step 3
If using self-adhesive stencils, just peel off the backing and place directly on skin.
If using mylar stencils, lightly mist Stencil Tac onto back of the selected stencil and allow to dry, usually 10-15 seconds. Only a very light coat is necessary. Place onto skin Tac side down.
Tip: if too damp, the Stencil Tac will transfer onto the skin. If this occurs, very carefully remove the Tac with an alcohol-dipped q-tip.
Step 4
Spray paint lightly onto the skin through the stencil, keeping airbrush approximately 3-4 inches from the skin.* Apply as many light coats as necessary to achieve the desired color intensity.
Tip: Avoid spraying too close or too heavily onto the skin, as this will cause the paint to bleed or create overspray, ruining the design.
Step 5
Apply straight or blended colors to create your custom design. If you want to achieve an outline, lightly spray black or another dark color around the edge of the stencil.
Step 6
Remove stencil and set the ink by applying a light coat of ordinary baby powder (also called talc). Attempt not to smudge the paint, and be sure to let dry completely.
Step 7
Choose your stencil and select the area of the body you are placing the design. Clean the area of skin where the tattoo is to be applied with Isopropyl rubbing alcohol (70%), available at most drugstores.
Glitter Effects
To add a glitter effect, simply replace the baby powder in Step 7 with Temptu Tattoo Glitter to set the tattoo. Before applying, wait until the alcohol completely evaporates and the design is dry (60 seconds or so) to assure the glitter primarily adheres to the ink and not the skin. The glitter can be applied by lightly dusting the tattoo, then rubbing the glitter into the design with your fingertips. Try applying gems as well for an extra dazzle!
Tattoo Care
All our tattoo products are waterproof but can be removed instantly with rubbing alcohol or baby oil. The tattoo can last anywhere from 2-5 days depending on skin type (the dryer the skin, the longer it lasts), tattoo placement (less movement and less perspiration will extend its life) and aftercare. Always be sure to re-powder or re-glitter before and after showering, heavy perspiration or swimming to maintain the tattoo. Avoid scrubbing while washing and always pat design dry when exposed to water.