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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Tattoos and Piercing
Temporary Tattoos
How to Make a Temporary Tattoo with Paper Download ArticleExplore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Michelle Myles
Last Updated: January 20, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Michelle Myles. Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 230,780 times.
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.[1]XResearch source
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.
4 Cut out your picture. Leave a 1/2 inch rim around the edges. The picture shouldn't be cut too small.[2]XResearch source
5 Soak your picture in perfume. Spray the front and back of the paper with a scented perfume of your choice. Apply a generous amount.
6 Soak the picture in hot water for three minutes. 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.[3]XResearch source
7 Allow the paper to soak for three minutes. 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.[4]XResearch source
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. Thanks Helpful 129 Not Helpful 27
Use very hot water when soaking your tattoo Thanks Helpful 136 Not Helpful 39
It may take a few tries to get the perfect tattoo Thanks Helpful 107 Not Helpful 31
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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Warnings
Make sure you are not in an enclosed room when spraying the perfume, it can be toxic to breathe in too much. Thanks Helpful 77 Not Helpful 12
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Co-authored by: Michelle Myles Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo This article was co-authored by Michelle Myles. Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing. This article has been viewed 230,780 times. 259 votes - 60% Co-authors: 12Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 230,780 Categories: Temporary Tattoos In other languagesJapanese
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Reader Success Stories
Krizzy Macali
Aug 15, 2022
"Can normal paper be used to create a temporary tattoo? Although I still need certain items, I like how you provided the instructions here because they were simple and clear. "..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michelle Myles Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo 259 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 230,780
Krizzy Macali
Aug 15, 2022
"Can normal paper be used to create a temporary tattoo? Although I still need certain items, I like how you provided the instructions here because they were simple and clear. "..." more
Carl Boxworth
Apr 28, 2021
"It worked very well for me and my sister. Mine came off with paper still on it but I washed it off mostly. My sister's came out perfectly."..." more
Aya E.
Oct 24, 2023
"I needed a camo tattoo for school, because I don't have any camo clothes, so I made a camo tatto, and it turned out perfect!"..." more
Zoey L.
May 30, 2024
"I am starting a tattoo shop, and this really helped me, so it can be kid-friendly to thank you so much."
Isha P
Feb 7, 2023
"This information is correct, after a few tries only we got the perfect tattoo." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Michelle Myles 
How toMake Stickers 
How toPrint on Balloons 
How toDraw Henna Tattoos 
How toUse Transfer Paper 
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Co-authored by: Michelle Myles Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo This article was co-authored by Michelle Myles. Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing. This article has been viewed 230,780 times. 259 votes - 60% Co-authors: 12 Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 230,780 Categories: Temporary Tattoos In other languagesJapanese 
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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.[1] 
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. 
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. 
4 Cut out your picture. Leave a 1/2 inch rim around the edges. The picture shouldn't be cut too small.[2] 
7 Allow the paper to soak for three minutes. 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. 
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.[4] 
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! 