How to Make a Temporary Tattoo with Paper

Co-authored by Michelle Myles

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

Making a temporary tattoo is easier than you think, and can be made using a few household supplies at home. If you've ever wondered what a piece of drawing would look like on your body, then a temporary tattoo is a good place to start. Anyone of any age can make their own tattoo using paper, water, and perfume. Continue reading this article to learn how.

Steps

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1
Purchase water slide paper. Most tattoo stickers are made with water slide paper, which makes the tattoo stick onto the skin and last. You can purchase water slide paper from a craft store or online.
- If you don't have access to water slide paper, normal printing paper will work as well.
2
Choose a picture online or create your own. You can find a cool tattoo by looking up "tattoo designs" online or create your own using Photoshop.
- Choose a tattoo that is meaningful to you. You can print out special symbols, a character, or a drawing of an animal.
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3
Print out your picture. Remember to flip the tattoo before you print it, especially if it contains words, as the tattoo will appear mirrored once you apply it.
- You can print in color; however, black works best.
- Print the picture as big as you want it. If you're creating batches of tattoos, a smaller size is best.
Leave a 1/2 inch rim around the edges. The picture shouldn't be cut too small.
Spray the front and back of the paper with a scented perfume of your choice. Apply a generous amount.
Fill up a sink or small bowl with hot water and place your picture gently on top. Gently push the picture to break the water's surface and let it sink.
It's helpful to set a timer to remind you to remove the paper. Once the paper has finished soaking, remove it from the water and spray it with perfume again.
8
Apply the tattoo to your skin. Pick an area where you'd like the tattoo to go, such as your wrist or arm. Spray the side of the paper that you're sticking onto your skin with perfume.
- Place the ink side of the paper face down on your skin and spray it with perfume once applied.
9
Allow the tattoo to adhere to the skin for seven minutes. Once the timer is up, carefully remove the tattoo. Starting from the edges, slowly peel the paper away from your skin.
- If you have paper residue on the tattoo, wash it off with water, don't try to rub it off, it will ruin the tattoo.
10
Gently pat the tattoo dry with a towel. Now you have a brand new waterproof temporary tattoo that should last for up to a month!
- If you for some reason want or need to remove the tattoo, rubbing alcohol on the skin will wash it off.

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Tips

If you would like to take off your tattoo, put hand-sanitizer on it and rub it off.

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Helpful 120 Not Helpful 22
Use very hot water when soaking your tattoo

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Helpful 127 Not Helpful 29
It may take a few tries to get the perfect tattoo

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Helpful 101 Not Helpful 25

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Dabbing the tattoo gently while applying it is key. If you push too hard, it might not apply correctly.
Before you apply the tattoo, be sure to wash and shave your skin!

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