How Do Temporary Tattoos Work?

Written by: Riana King

November 15, 2021

Reading time: 7 min

Table of Contents

Temporary Tattoo Paper 1. Backing Paper 2. Silicone Release Coating 3. Transfer Film Temporary Tattoo Images 1. Ink 2. Adhesive Removing Your Temporary Tattoo Other Uses Of Temporary Tats

How do temporary tattoos work? In this article, you will find out about all you ever wanted to know about how temporary tattoos are made and how they work. Temporary tattoos are all over the place! In vending machines, at Walmart, in Happy Meals, and on online outlets. From children to adults, people of all ages apply and remove temporary tattoos every day. Unlike permanent tattoos, temporary designs are easy to apply and remove , so you can change them as often as you like.

One question you may have is: how do temporary tattoos work? Speaking of which, how are temporary tattoos made after all? And what makes them so easy to apply and remove? We’ll give you a clue...it’s all about layers! Two basic components make up a fake tattoo: the paper and the image. Below we’ll describe how different layers in the paper and image work together.

Temporary Tattoo Paper

Before we answer the question of how do tatoos work, it’s important to first understand how these are made. Three layers make up the paper element of a fake tattoo;

1. Backing Paper

This portion of the temporary tattoo looks and feels like everyday paper. This is where the instructions are printed along with any other promotional information

2. Silicone Release Coating

This is what makes the image transfer possible. The backing paper has a silicone coating on one side, on which the temporary tattoo will be printed.

3. Transfer Film

This is applied over the release coating. It allows the image to “slide” off the backing paper, and onto the skin when moisture is applied.

Temporary Tattoo Images

Two layers make up the image portion of the temporary tattoo: the ink and the adhesive.

1. Ink

These are the colors making up the temporary tattoo. Because fake tattoos are applied to dry skin and can last up to a week, the colorants in the inks used must meet strict safety requirements — the same food, drug, and cosmetic colorants must comply with. Be sure you research a tattoo manufacturer to ensure they comply with safety standards before applying their tattoos.

2. Adhesive

A thin layer of adhesive is applied over the colorants to ensure that the temporary tattoo stays on the skin and lasts.

So, How DO Temporary Tattoos Work? Let’s Explore.

Now that you have learned how temporary tattoos are made, it is easier to answer the question - how does a temporary tattoo work? When moisture is applied, the silicone release coating and transfer film helps with image transfer from the backing paper onto the skin. Once it dries, the film holds onto the skin and it will stay on your skin. Temporary tattoos tend to last for about a week on your skin and when applied correctly, it can look as if a tattoo artist applied it.

How To Apply Temporary Tattoo Like A Tattoo Artist

We have a video and blog on how to apply temporary tattoo but here's a quick brief. Select the area where you want to apply the temporary tattoo. Clean the area and apply rubbing alcohol to ensure it is dry. Peel the plastic coating off, place it on your skin and apply pressure. Then take a sponge or towel soaked in water and dab it over the entire tattoo paper. As we just read in the previous section “so how do temporary tattoos work”, this moisture is what releases the tattoo onto the skin. Hold for a minute and then peel the paper off. Pat your skin dry and it is ready!

Removing Your Temporary Tattoo

Is it time to remove your temporary tattoo? Easy! Simply rub it with a cotton swab or soft cloth saturated with baby oil or eye makeup remover. You can also use the Tattoo Gone™ temporary tattoo removal wipes for an even more effective, fast, and mess-free process. As you can see, when it comes to how they are made, temporary tattoos are manufactured with your safety and comfort in mind so that your only worry will be to pair your tat with your favorite outfits.

Other Uses Of Temporary Tats

When done with safety at the forefront, temporary tattoos can be used and applied to different types of crafts. You can add them to your tableware or even use them for creating beautiful greeting cards.

So there you have it! Those are the different layers that make up a temporary tattoo and other uses you can give them. Who would have thought that so much could go into one tiny, fun product?

Customize your own tattoo →

FAQs

What are temporary tattoos made of and how do they work?

Temporary tattoos are typically made of non-toxic, skin-safe materials including vegetable dyes, FDA-approved colorants, and adhesive layers to transfer the design onto the skin.

Are temporary tattoos safe for all skin types?

Yes, temporary tattoos are generally safe for all skin types. However, it is recommended to perform a patch test before full application, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

How do you apply a temporary tattoo for it to work correctly?

To apply a temporary tattoo, clean and dry the skin, place the tattoo face down on the desired area, press a damp cloth over it for 30 seconds, and then gently peel off the backing paper to reveal the design.

How do temporary tattoos work differently from permanent tattoos?

Temporary tattoos are designed to last for a short period and can be easily removed, while permanent tattoos are created by injecting ink into the skin's dermis layer and last a lifetime.

Can temporary tattoos be customized?

Yes, temporary tattoos can be customized. Temporary Tattoos offers services where you can upload your own design or choose from a variety of templates to create a unique tattoo .

How are temporary tattoos removed?

Temporary tattoos can be removed using rubbing alcohol, baby oil, coconut oil, or adhesive remover wipes . Gently rub the tattooed area with the chosen remover until the tattoo fades and washes away.

Are there different types of temporary tattoos?

Yes, there are different types of temporary tattoos including stick-on tattoos, henna tattoos, airbrush tattoos, and transfer tattoos. Each type uses different materials and application methods.

How long do temporary tattoos work and last on the skin?

Temporary tattoos can last between 3 to 5 days, depending on the quality of the tattoo, skin type, placement, and how well they are cared for.

Do temporary tattoos cause any skin reactions?

While temporary tattoos are generally safe, some individuals may experience mild skin reactions such as redness or irritation. It's important to choose high-quality, hypoallergenic products and perform a patch test if you have sensitive skin.

How do semi-permanent tattoos differ from permanent and temporary tattoos?

Semi-permanent tattoos last longer than temporary tattoos but shorter than permanent tattoos. They typically use a different ink formulation that fades over time, usually lasting several weeks to months. Unlike permanent tattoos, semi-permanent tattoos don't penetrate as deeply into the skin and eventually fade completely.

How do tattoos work on fabric? How long do temporary tattoos typically last on clothing?

Temporary tattoos are designed to adhere to skin, not fabric. However, if a temporary tattoo transfers onto clothing, it may last through several washings depending on the type of fabric and the washing method used. To avoid transferring temporary tattoos to clothing, allow the tattoo to dry completely before letting it come into contact with fabric.

What is the screen printing process used in creating temporary tattoos? How does it work?

The screen printing process for temporary tattoos involves using a stencil to apply layers of ink onto a special paper coated with a transfer film. This method allows for the creation of detailed designs and is often used for producing larger quantities of temporary tattoos.

Can temporary tattoos cause allergic reactions?

While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to temporary tattoos. These reactions can be caused by the inks or adhesives used in the tattoo image. It's important to perform a patch test before applying a temporary tattoo, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.

How do temporary tattoos work in adhering to the skin?

Temporary tattoos adhere to the skin through a transfer process that involves placing the tattoo face down on the skin, wetting the backing paper, and applying pressure to ensure the design sticks to the skin.

How do tattoo artists create stencils for real tattoos?

Tattoo artists often create stencils for real tattoos using a process similar to temporary tattoos. They may draw the design on special transfer paper or use a printing process to create a stencil. This stencil is then transferred to the skin as a guide for the permanent tattoo application.

Riana King

Web Marketing Manager at TemporaryTattoos.com, where she leads digital strategy to enhance brand visibility. Riana combines creative content with data-driven techniques. Her skills in design, social media marketing, and customer engagement have played a key role in establishing TemporaryTattoos.com as an industry leader.