Stencils

[BattleRoyal]

Has the 80's practice of making stencils from acetate been discontinued?

The tattoo artist I used to use used nothing but - however, like everything - I realize things have changed today...

How about those who can't afford a $500-1,000 machine for making stencils - and, why are these new machines better or more popular than the old style of stencil-making w/acetate?

[Pigment Pen]

I find that the best stencil maker is a dot matrix printer. You can find them really cheap on ebay or even at local garage sales. I got mine for $10.00 on ebay and it's been great. I haven't seen the acetate stencils in eons. I think that they didn't stay on well enough as opposed to the spirit master paper stencils.

[BattleRoyal]

So whats a 'spirit master' paper stencil and how do you apply to skin?

???

[Pigment Pen]

Spirit Master is like a carbon paper used for making stencils. Just print the design to it on the dot matiix printer, cut out the stencil and use either green soap or Detol (my favorite) to apply it to the skin. Once it's applied let it sit for a few minutes so it dries. Less chance of wiping it away as you tattoo. Also apply a thin layer of vaseline as you're working the area. This also helps keep it from wiping off the skin as well as letting your hand slide easier. Needlejack sells the paper here. http://www.supplytattoo.com/thermal-image-paper-p-290.html
Hope this helps.