How Do Fake Tattoos Work?

Temporary tattoos, also known as fake tattoos or temporary body art, are designs applied to the skin using methods such as water transfer or adhesive backing. They are not embedded deep into the skin and are made up of two basic elements: paper and image. The layers in a temporary tattoo consist of backing paper, silicone release coating, and transfer film. The silicone release coating transfers the design to the skin, while the transfer film allows the image to come off the paper fully when moisture is applied.

A process called screen printing is used to create the tattoo image on paper coated with a transfer film. The adhesive backing works by clinging to the outer layer of the skin, creating a temporary bond. Temporary tattoos from Print Tattoos are attached to the skin using water and stay there for about two to six days. The tattoos can be removed anytime.

The ink soaks into the top layer of the skin, making it last longer than a regular temporary tattoo. Two basic components make up a fake tattoo: paper and image. When the silicone gets wet, the ink and sticky stuff stick to the skin instead. To apply a temporary tattoo, start with clean, dry skin and use water-based ink that repels the skin’s natural oils.