Updated
A temporary tattoo sleeve is easy to put on if you know the order of the steps. At InkToday we make realistic sleeves, so here is the method we use, with tips to avoid the usual mistakes.
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In this guide
How to apply a temporary tattoo sleeve in 5 steps
To apply a temporary tattoo sleeve, place the printed side on clean, dry skin, press a damp cloth on it, then peel the backing away. The full process takes about 5 minutes.
- Clean and dry the skin. Wash the arm and dry it fully. Skip oil and lotion on the area.
- Place the sleeve. Lay the printed side on the skin, with the wrist end at the wrist. Make sure the sleeve is straight before you press.
- Press a damp cloth on it. Hold the damp cloth on the back for 20 to 30 seconds, pressing evenly from the wrist toward the shoulder.
- Peel the backing away. Lift it slowly from one end. If a corner lifts with it, press the cloth on again.
- Let it dry. Leave the sleeve for 10 to 15 minutes to dry. It turns matte in 24 to 36 hours.
Tips for a clean result
Three habits give the cleanest result: start from dry skin, keep the sleeve flat while you press and do not rub the damp cloth.
- Align first. Check the position of the wrist end before you press.
- Press, do not rub. Rubbing moves the transfer.
- Put it on the day before. The ink turns matte in 24 to 36 hours, which is the look of real ink.
Cold or warm water for a temporary tattoo sleeve?
Use ordinary tap water: the temperature is not what matters. What matters is that the cloth stays damp and pressed on the transfer for the time given in the steps.
A cloth that is too wet can move the transfer, and one that is too dry will not release it. Squeeze the cloth until it stops dripping, then press.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Four mistakes cause most bad results: oily skin, a sleeve that is not straight, rubbing the cloth and peeling too fast. Each one is easy to avoid.
- Oily or damp skin: wash and dry the arm first.
- Crooked sleeve: check the wrist end before you press.
- Rubbing: press, do not rub.
- Peeling too fast: lift slowly from one end, and press the cloth again if a corner lifts.
How long does it last?
A temporary tattoo sleeve lasts 10 to 14 days on the arm and about a week on the hands, where skin rubs more.
Wearing it for an event? See fake tattoo sleeves for fancy dress, a stag do or a festival. Wondering which design? See our temporary tattoo sleeves, the Maori and tribal sleeves or the Japanese sleeves. More on how it compares to a fabric sleeve in this comparison.
How to remove a temporary tattoo sleeve
To remove a temporary tattoo sleeve, rub oil or makeup remover on it, wait a moment and wipe it away. Repeat if some ink stays.
Baby oil, olive oil or a cleansing oil all work. Wash the skin after, with soap and water.
FAQ
How long does it take to apply a temporary tattoo sleeve?
About 5 minutes. Most of the time is placing the sleeve in the right spot before you press the damp cloth.
How long does a temporary tattoo sleeve last?
10 to 14 days on the arm and about a week on the hands. The ink turns matte in 24 to 36 hours after you apply it.
Can I apply a sleeve on my own?
Yes. The sleeve is 17 x 49 cm, so ask a friend to hold the other end only if you cannot reach your shoulder. Start at the wrist and work toward the shoulder.
Is a temporary tattoo sleeve a peel-and-stick sticker?
No. It is a water-applied transfer: you press a damp cloth on the back, then peel the backing away.
Do you use cold or warm water for temporary tattoos?
Use ordinary tap water. The temperature does not matter: keep the cloth damp, press it on the sleeve for 20 to 30 seconds and peel the backing away.
Can I use a Sharpie as a temporary tattoo?
We do not recommend it. Permanent markers are not made for skin, while a temporary tattoo transfer is. Use a transfer for a sleeve.
How do I remove a temporary tattoo sleeve?
Rub oil or makeup remover on it, wait a moment and wipe it away. Repeat if some ink stays.
Do you use cold or warm water for temporary tattoos?
Use ordinary tap water. The temperature does not matter: keep the cloth damp, press it on the sleeve for 20 to 30 seconds and peel the backing away.
Can I use a Sharpie as a temporary tattoo?
We do not recommend it. Permanent markers are not made for skin, while a temporary tattoo transfer is. Use a transfer for a sleeve.
How do I remove a temporary tattoo sleeve?
Rub oil or makeup remover on it, wait a moment and wipe it away. Repeat if some ink stays.
About InkToday
InkToday makes realistic semi-permanent temporary tattoos, applied with a damp cloth in about 5 minutes and worn for 10 to 14 days. Our plant-based, vegan ink, with no PPD, develops into a deep color over 24 to 36 hours and looks like real ink. Pick from more than 200 designs or send your own. See all our temporary tattoo sleeves.