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How To Apply Your Tattoo

Please read these instructions fully before proceeding with application

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- If you have not chosen a kit please read Step 1 for

   instructions & skip Step 2 

- If you have upgraded to an InkBound kit it includes;

 

  • Allergy test tattoo

  • Alcohol prep pad/s

  • Placement pen to help with positioning

  • Your bespoke tattoo/s

  • Clear patches in case of tears

  • InkBound Finishing Serum (the amount supplied to you is 
    dependant on your tattoo size)

  • Finger cot for Finishing Serum application

 

Important: These tattoos are not suitable for children under 3 yrs. The Finishing Serum is not suitable for children under 10 yrs and in all cases must be applied by an adult - do not leave unsupervised.

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Before applying your tattoo

 

All InkBound products are safe to use but we recommend that you test an area of your skin 24  - 48 hours earlier using the allergy test tattoo included and applying a touch of Finishing Serum over the top, in case of discomfort or allergy.

 

Tip: This is also useful for you to practice the application process so there are no hiccups when applying your bespoke tattoo.

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What to expect in the first few hours after application,

 

Your tattoo transfer is an extremely thin film that lays over the surface of your skin. It will take 4 - 5 hours to fully set onto your skin regardless of whether or not you have used the application kit & Finishing Serum.

 

 

Don’t be concerned if…

 

Your tattoo looks really shiny.

 

1. When first applied it will be very shiny & look like it’s ‘on top’ of the skin like a sticker. It just needs time to settle down - avoid touching it as not to disturb it.

 

2. You see cracks in the design.

 

Cracks in the image when first applied is totally normal, as the transfer settles & becomes more elastic with your skin those cracks will disappear & the tattoo will fully blend. Again, avoid touching it or any friction, let the tattoo settle naturally.

 

If you are applying the Finishing Serum over the tattoo it will immediately look like it’s completely set however be aware that all this is still going on under the surface.

 

Be very gentle with your tattoo for 4 - 5 hours after application.

 

Please read main instructions fully.

 

 

 

Accurate positioning

 

You can use the placement pen to lightly mark your skin where you intend to apply the tattoo. We recommend you use a mirror, hold the tattoo to your body in the intended position and mark a few faint dots around the outside edges the tattoo. When you apply the tattoo properly you’ll fit/place it back into the same space.

 

This pen will wash off straight away with soap and water however if your dots are very close to the edges of the tattoo transfer you need to be very careful not to rub the actual tattoo as it will be fragile when first applied and will easily damage until it fully settles onto your skin. Ideally wait for 2 - 4 hours before removing any pen marks. Try not to spray the Finishing Serum over the pen marks too as it may be a little harder to remove.

 

Do not draw on your skin and place the tattoo directly over the pen marks as in places where the image is white or very light your tattoo will be transparent so anything underneath will show through for the duration of the tattoo’s lifespan.

 

 

Step 1- Ready?

 

You will need a clean wet cloth - warm water is best.

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Prepare your skin

 

1.  Shave the area first - tattoo removal + hair = ouch! Skin must be clean and dry before application.

 

2.  Then, use the alcohol prep pad provided to remove any oils from the skin - leave for a moment to dry.

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Apply the tattoo

 

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3. Gently remove the clear film from the tattoo (Important: avoid touching the tattoo design in case of damage).

 

4. Place the tattoo face down in the desired position. Important: It cannot be repositioned without damage so be sure to get it right first time!

 

5. Hold the wet cloth on the tattoo, press firmly ensuring the entire tattoo is covered. Allow  water to saturate the print for 15 - 30 seconds. Do not wipe or dab.

 

6. When you are happy that the entire tattoo is on your skin, gently slide the rest of the backing paper away.

 

7. Important: You must rinse any remaining adhesive from the tattoo surface. Gently hold the wet cloth over the image as if you were pushing the water out onto the tattoo but DO NOT WIPE OR DAB!! - the tattoo will still be fragile. 

 

If possible leave to dry and settle down for 10 - 15 minutes, try not to touch it. When ready apply the Finishing  Serum. 

 

 

In case of tears

 

Important: Repairs must be made before you add the serum.

 

Included are clear adhesive repair patches in case of any tears or rough edges that haven’t stuck on application. To patch up simply replicate the water transfer process (above) with the patches by placing them over the tear to seal them in. Again, make sure you’re gentle, as your tattoo will still be fragile.

 

 

Step 2 - Apply Finishing Serum

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The Finishing Serum will fix in your tattoo protecting and extending it's lifespan. It will also remove the shine leaving you with a very authentic look & feel.

 

How to apply?

 

8. Once your tattoo is settled onto your skin simply spray over the tattoo & gently spread evenly by hand using the finger cot if preferred. 

 

How much to use? 

 

*This is a rough guide only - please use your own judgement. 

 

  • For small tattoos around 5cm spray 1 - 2 pumps.  

  • For medium tattoos around 13cm spray 2 - 3 pumps.

  • For large tattoos around 20cm spray 4 - 5 pumps. 

  • For extra large tattoos up to 26cm spray 5 or 6 pumps.

 

If you’ve not sprayed enough to cover the tattoo, repeat until there is enough serum on there to evenly spread over it.

 

If you apply too much & there is an excess on your surrounding skin, use a wet cloth to wipe it off/wipe around it. Never wipe over the tattoo, the serum will always dry properly regardless of how much is on there.

 

9. Avoid bending or rubbing the area for 10 -15 minutes so that it can cure/dry properly, however it will take a few hours to fully set onto your skin so do your best to keep it away from any friction that could damage it. You'll know when it's fully set as it will look & feel very natural on your skin as well as being more durable. 

 

 

Removing your tattoo

 

Apply surgical spirit (available in supermarkets) to cotton wool and gently rub it over the tattoo to break it up. Baby oil and in some cases soap and water will work too.

 

Once removed, use moisturiser to soothe and replenish your skin.

 

 

Useful Information

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The water transfer tattoo alone should last approximately 2 - 7 days depending on placement. With the Finishing Serum applied over the tattoo the lifespan can be improved up to threefold in some cases. If you have oily skin, your tattoo may come away quicker. 

 

Over time, your tattoo may get a little dirty (e.g fluff from contact with clothing or bed linen) you can clean it with  a gentle soap and water.

 

If necessary you can reapply more Finishing Serum to seal the tattoo in again but try not to apply too much in close succession as it can build up thickly over your tattoo, try and leave a few days in-between serum applications.

 

Be mindful of contact with clothing which may rub on the tattoo. 

 

Do not use body oils or oily moisturisers on your tattoo.

 

Do not use body oils or oily moisturisers on your tattoo.

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