How to use Metallic Tattoo Paper

Not just any Temporary Tattoo Paper! With over 30 years experience specialized in manufacturing printer friendly decal papers, our Tattoo Paper range is meticulously designed to deliver exceptional results. Offering major improvements over traditional temporary tattoo paper.

Whether for cosplays, makeup art, festivals, parties or just a fashion statement, Metallic Tattoo Paper, also known as Metallic Waterslide Tattoo Paper, is a popular Temporary Tattoo product that works with any home or office Laser Printer to deliver excellent, classy results. The adhesive is skin-safe even on sensitive skin, yet able to last up to a week in the right conditions. Removable using warm water and baby oil or essential oil.

Instructions

The Metallic Tattoo Paper package consists of four types of paper.

Decal Paper (Blue Backing).
Coating Paper (White).
Metallic Foils (Special dual layer design),
Adhesive Sheet (Special skin-safe adhesive).

It's very easy to use and creates really impressive results. Everything is explained in this guide.

Materials Needed:

Laser Printer
Laminator 75°C (167°F) minimum.
Scissors, Craft Knife or Cutting Machine.
Smooth hard tabletop to work on.
A ruler is recommended for even application of adhesive.
Lukewarm Water.

Metallic Tattoo Paper doesn't need mirroring (flipping the image).

Step 1: Print

The image must be all black or brown. This is to create a thick layer of toner the metallic can bind to.

Make sure your Laser Printer Settings have been set accordingly:

PAPER TYPE: Label Paper (175g or more) / Thick Paper / Decal Paper.

DPI: 600 or above. We recommend higher DPI for miniatures / dioramas.

Maximum Photo Resolution.

We advise you to use the manual feed in your printer (not the paper tray).

Print on the glossy side of the decal paper.

Step 2: Metallic Foil

Place the the Metallic foil onto the decal paper.

We recommending securing the side that's going into the laminator by using glue.

Step 3: 1st Lamination

Feed the layers through the laminator.

We recommend setting the laminatiion heat to 75°C (167°F) minimum, this cures the metallic layer to the image.

Step 4: Peel Excess Metallic Foil

Peel off the Metallic foil when ready.

We advise against using 3rd party foils. The foils provided with this product are dual layered, allowing to release the excess metallic easily.

Step 5: 2nd Lamination

Place the Coating Paper with the glossy side against the image.

Feed through the laminator again. This secures the metallic.

Step 6: Remove Blue Backing

It is now time to remove the blue backing from the Decal Paper we printed on.

This should reveal the black toner, ready for the adhesive application.

We recommend leaving it to dry before continuing.
You can use a blow dryer to speed this up.

Step 7: Prepare Adhesive

Peel back a small corner of the adhesive sheet and fold it.

Lay it face down on the printed image. You can align the sheets before pressing down the exposed corner.

It's very easy to align perfectly each time by doing the following:

Align the bottom corners by pressing the sheets from the sides.
Hold down the aligned sheets with one hand as you make your way up to the exposed corner.
Press down the exposed adhesive exactly where the fold is before pressing down the rest of the corner.

Step 8: Apply Adhesive

We recommend using a ruler and flat tabletop to avoid air bubbles. Slowly peel away the white backing from the adhesive with one hand, while pressing the layers together with the ruler.

To maximise durability, rub the layers down or use the laminator one last time (without heat) to bond the layers together. The image will get clearer when bonded correctly.

Step 9: Cut

You can cut these out using a cutting machine, craft knife, or scissors.

If you are using the white adhesive, then any edges left around the tattoo will leave a white outline, so you may want to cut closer depending on your desired result.

We do recommend cutting close to the image as it may provide a stronger edge, reducing how fast the tattoo will peel.

Ready:

At this point your temporary tattoos are ready and can be stored away in an airtight bag or used right away.

To transfer your image it's important to ensure the skin is clean and oil-free.

We recommend shaving the area to remove any “invisible hairs” that may weaken the adhesive. This can be overlooked, but it prevents irritation and improves longevity.

Step 10: Apply

Remove the clear protective backing and apply face down.

Press down well, to ensure a good transfer.

Don’t be afraid of creating creases in the backing. You can massage the backing to make sure the tattoo is stuck down well.

NOTE: Applying the tattoo on joints, such as knees and elbows is not recommended, as the frequent bending and stretching will reduce the longevity of the tattoo.

Step 11: Reveal

To release the backing, dab it with water until it's completely wet. You can use a tissue, sponge, or towel to wet it evenly.

By gently sliding away the backing, you will reveal your beautiful tattoo. The tattoo will strengthen as it dries and adapts to your skin.

Should you want to further mattify the tattoo you can use baby powder, or matte sunscreen after the tattoo has dried.

Most cosmetics will work on the tattoo, however try to avoid oil based cosmetics as they may cause the tattoo to loosen from the sides.

Finished

Remember to store the product in an airtight bag to maximise shelf life.

Metallic Tattoo Paper opens up a world of possibilities, from charming little silver flowers, metallic text, to cyborg electric circuit tattoos. Great as a subtle accessory for everyday outfits, parties, weddings, and even makeup art for cosplays and movie productions.

Can I use this on other surfaces?

Although the adhesive will work well on porous surfaces, we recommend using Metallic Waterslide Decal Paper for smooth hard surfaces, and Metallic Rub-On Transfer Paper for rough and porous surfaces. Rub-On will offer a thinner, paper-like finish, compared to Metallic Tattoo.

Is there an option for Inkjet available?

This product only works with Laser Printers. Inkjet uses ink, which is water soluble and has terrible properties for binding with Metallic Foil.

Can I make a tattoo with Metallic and Color?

This is not recommended. The print may be misaligned when reprinting on the same sheet. This varies between printers, and some printers may jam when printing with the metallic designs on the page. If your metallic designs have plenty space between them, you may be able to print the colored designs in the empty spaces after the Peel step. However, to avoid jams, we adivse to use a separate sheet for colored designs. The fuser inside Laser Printers is not designed to accept metallic foil - do this at your own risk.

If you have any questions, difficulties or need some advice, feel free to contact us. We'll be more than happy to help.

Tutorials