I guess we all are familiar with a Sharpie (marker pens, gel pens or roller pen). In spite of being used as a writing instrument, this tool serves another purpose of stenciling while having a tattoo.
Using a sharpie as a tattoo stencil is nothing but a regular practice among tattoo artists. The process of drawing directly on skin instead of using the stencil process is called free hand tattooing. Moreover, sharpie gives the freedom to understand the tattoo more than stenciling. Now one might wonder as a newbie professional whether they should use the sharpie as instead of tattoo stencil or not? Actually, the more professional you are as a tattoo artist, the more you will be expert in using sharpie.
As I have said already that it gives the privilege to draw directly on your client’s body, there are some basic key points which I will be demonstrating in my writing.
Key Takeaways
- Sharpie Fine Point, Sharpie King-Size, Sharpie Magnum these are the name of some commonly used tattoo stencils.
- A little self-practice on your own skin could be a great help while you are replacing stenciling with a sharpie.
- Fine Point markers are the best sharpies to use which is xylene free. But you can use Squidster too.
- Pros and cons are there in using sharpie such as- getting the freedom to examine your creativity, on the contrary, higher possibility of skin irritation due to the use of lower quality tool.
What is a Tattoo Stencil?
A tattoo stencil is a process of sketching your tattoo on a surface like tracing or waxing paper before placing that on your client’s skin. This method is commonly used specially if you are having a miniature tattoo, using stencil will be safe I guess for the accurate placement on right part of your body.
Can I Use Sharpie as a Tattoo Stencil?
Yes, you can use sharpie as a tattoo stencil. Let me introduce you with some of the sharpies available in market to use as tattoo stencil. Sharpie Fine Point, Sharpie King-Size, Sharpie Magnum- these are the name of some commonly used tattoo stencils. The ingredients that you will find in the ink of a sharpie are- dye, xylene, resin, alcohol etc.
Replace stencilling with a sharpie, Safest way to use a sharpie, Pros and cons of a sharpie- these are the topics that we will elaborate to support the use of sharpie as a tattoo stencil.
Replace Stenciling with A Sharpie
If you are thinking about replace stenciling with a sharpie, then there are certain facts that you need to give priority before you begin-
- Make sure that you are an existing tattoo artist for so long and know how to do it.
- Bear in mind that a little study before you buy a sharpie will not be harmful at all.
- Don’t forget to take advice from your senior tattoo artist if you are going to use sharpie as a proxy permanently.
- Not an artist! No need to be. Because sharpie is the best option for you to draw temporary tattoo on your skin that you have chosen.
- A little self-practice on your own skin could be a great help for you to figure out that you are capable of doing it accurately.
Safest Way to Use a Sharpie
Few considerable points are there which you should not overlook to use a sharpie in the safest way-
- Fine point markers are the best sharpies to use which is xylene free. Some senior artists also recommend Squidster to use.
- Don’t forget to go for a small trial session with your client to see whether their skin has any sensitivities or not.
- King Size Sharpie, Magnum Sharpie, and Touch-Up Sharpie-these sharpies are highly dangerous and not recommended to use.
Pros and Cons of Using Sharpie
- If you are using colorful sharpie ink, it might get easier for your client to sort out the color choice of their selected tattoo.
- As a tattoo artist, you will get the facility to examine your creativity.
- Also, you will be able to edit the tattoo size and shapes as you are not using any stenciling method.
- King Size Sharpie, Magnum Sharpie, and Touch-Up Sharpie- if you use one of these sharpies by any chance, there is a strong possibility that it will cause skin irritation to hypersensitive skin.
- Low quality or highly toxic markers containing harmful chemicals such as cresol, xylene, diacetone alcohol which can cause-eye, nose, throat infections or irritations and skin allergies.
- You need to be careful during removing the sharpie marks by alcohol. Less toxic alcohols like- isopropyl or ethanol you can use.
✨ Next Attraction: Can You Get A Half Sleeve Tattoo In One Session?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Sharpie Kill You?
No, Sharpie will not kill you. Cause it is examined by experts and it will cause no harm unless you try to inhale the smell or put that in your mouth.
Can Sharpie Cause Skin Cancer?
There is no chance that sharpie will cause skin cancer. Highest it can harm your skin which can be the cause of irritations or any kind of allergy to your other body parts like- eyes, ears or mouth (if you put that in mouth).
Is Sharpie ink toxic?
Sharpie markers are AP-certified non-toxic, but it might be get dreadful if it comes in touch with your mouth or other sensitive body parts.
How do you make a Sharpie tattoo?
The steps you follow are simply draw your design on your selected body part by a sharpie, then coat it with baby powder, let it dry, spray it with hairspray and wipe off all the excess.
Final Words
As shown above, I think you already have acknowledged all the consequences of using a sharpie instead of stenciling. Expert or non-expert, using a sharpie only depends upon your hand expertise that how long you are doing that and how much confidence you are in doing that!
So, use the safe one each and every time, make the best out of it! and keep doing crafts on human!