How to Use Tattoo Transfer Paper Without Thermal Copier

Shmulik Dorinbaum
Master tattooer showing process of transfer tattoo

Table of Contents

Do you have a design of the tattoo you want, and you don’t know how you will put it on your skin? You can use tattoo transfer paper without a thermal copier, and you don’t have to worry about how it will look when finished.

If you don’t have the money to buy the thermal copier, you can use tattoo transfer paper without spending more money than buying a thermal copier and still get that perfect tattoo on your skin.

Below is a simple process of using tattoo transfer paper without a thermal copier.

Let’s get started!

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Use Tattoo Transfer Paper Without Thermal Copier

Let us go through how you can transfer your tattoo design using tattoo transfer paper to your skin.

However, you will need the following materials when using tattoo transfer paper without a thermal copier.

  • Sponge or cotton wool
  • Tattoo transfer paper
  • Inkjet printer
  • Water
  • Scissors

Step 1: Print  the Tattoo Design

Woman preparing paper for printing photos

Start by printing your preferred tattoo design on the tattoo transfer paper using an inkjet printer. Before printing, make sure that the design of the tattoo is reflected backward.

Step 2: Cut Out the Design From the Tattoo Transfer Paper

Carefully cut out the design from the tattoo transfer paper and cut it within the perimeter of the tattoo transfer paper. Now, apply adhesive to the back of the tattoo transfer paper. 

Step 3: Place Tattoo Transfer Paper on the Skin

Woman in Black Tube Dress

After applying adhesive to the back of the cut design, place it on your skin upside down. Press it firmly and hold it for a few seconds. 

Step 4: Peel Off the Paper from Your Skin

Woman in Black Tube Dress 2

Carefully remove the tattoo transfer paper from the skin. Watch out not to remove or tear the design from your skin. If any part of the design comes out with the transfer paper, use a damp cotton swab to help free it from the paper.

Step 5: Fill the Tattoo With Your Desired Color

Woman in Black Long Sleeve Shirt Lying on Black Leather Couch

Since the tattoo is on your skin, let it completely dry off. After it has completely dried off, you can fill your tattoo with any color of your desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tattoo Transfer Paper?

Tattoo transfer paper is a special paper that tattoo artists use to transfer your sketched tattoo design to your skin.

What Type of Paper is used in Transferring Tattoo Design to Your Skin?

The type of paper used to transfer the tattoo design to your skin is called tattoo transfer paper, also known as hectograph carbon paper or thermal paper.

When Do I Start to Moisturize My New Tattoo?

You should start to moisturize your new tattoo as soon as it dries off, between one to three days after getting it. Also, wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap before moisturizing it.

How Soon Should I Take a Shower After Getting a Tattoo?

One can take a shower after three to four hours after getting the tattoo. However, you should wrap the tattoo before taking a shower. Keep the tattoo wrapped for at least two weeks and avoid wetting it before it completely dries off.

What is a Thermal Copier?

A thermal copier is a machine used in printing tattoo designs on the tattoo transfer paper, after which it is transferred to the skin.

Can One Use Tattoo Transfer Paper Without a Thermal Copier?

Yes, you can still use tattoo transfer paper without a thermal copier. You can use a hectograph transfer paper which contains two sheets of paper. You draw your design on the top paper, and the design is copied to the bottom paper, which is carbon paper. 

Cut the design and apply it to the skin. Apply deodorant or tattoo stencil lotion to the skin for the design to stick

What Oil is Best to Put On a Tattoo?

The best oil to apply to a tattoo is coconut oil because it is natural, safe for sensitive skin, and moisturizes your skin. You can apply it to old and new tattoos.

How Does the Ink on the Transfer Paper Get to Your Skin?

Place the transfer paper containing the design on your skin facing down, put wet cotton on the sheet, and press it for forty seconds. The image will then stick to your skin.

Final Thoughts

Most people may get anxious about using tattoo transfer paper without a thermal copier because they don’t know what the tattoo design will look like on their skin.

Your tattoo will look just fine without a thermal copier, as using tattoo transfer paper is very simple.

In addition, if you don’t have enough money to purchase a thermal copier, you can use another option like an inkjet printer with tattoo transfer paper.

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

A musician, a father, a former cancer person, not a tattoo artist, but a tattooed person indeed.