Which type of stencil should you use
for Airbrush Tattoos?
 The
Stencil Debate
As you've probably seen, there is a great debate between many
airbrush tattoo artists, regarding the use of adhesive backed
and non adhesive backed airbrush tattoo stencils.
Neither side is right or wrong and there are many issues between
them, that come into play. It really is up to you with which
type you decide to use for your airbrush tattoo business.
Take it all in, and make a decision for yourself, as many
manufacturers will try to hype their type as the best.
Myth 1 : Sticky stencils
are unhygenic
Adhesive backed stencils are NOT unhygenic. Fair to say, yes,
if you let your stencils get too dirty and overuse them, then
they can be. Adhesive-backed stencils are supposed to be disposable.
Granted, that they do last from 10 - 30 uses, but in the end
they ARE disposable and should not be over-used. Staying to
this guideline they are completely clean, and will not transmit
anything to the next person. After all, you rub your customer's
skin down first with an alcohol wipe, don't you!
Myth 2 : Adhesive stencils
break too often
They do break, but a well designed stencil will be good for
at least 10 applications. So although not indestructable like
others claim, it all depends on the material that is used
and the thought that went behind designing the stencil not
to break easily. Our in-house artist makes sure that our stencils
are of long lasting designs, that won't break easily. We also
use a material that is stretch resistant and not easily torn.
Usually adhesive backed stencils are priced a lot cheaper
because of the disposable quality. If they are cheap, then
it really doesn't matter if they are disposable. You just
renew your stencils and away you go. The plus side, your stencil
never gets absolutely saturated with paint like some of the
non-adhesive-backed ones.
Myth 3 : Non Adhesive
Backed stencils are very hygenic.
Wrong, because of their non-disposable nature, artists tend
to go longer before cleaning these stencils. Often to the
point of letting a build up of paint on the stencils and ending
up with it flaking off everywhere. Do you really think this
is hygenic? I've seen some disgusting examples of airbrush
stencils treated like this.
Myth 4 : You can learn
to use non adhesive backed stencils and not get blow outs
or underspray.
When doing multicolour tattoos, adhesive backed stencils
are imperitive. If you are trying to use a stencil with
no adhesion, there is little chance of you being able
to keep the stencil in the same spot throughout the application
process. Maybe for one colour but not for multicolours.
Just think, how difficult is it to do a complete armband
tattoo perfectly with a non adhesive backed stencil? Impossible.
I've tried, and I'm a professional airbrush artist, who is
used to this sort of thing, even I couldn't deny the fact
that the non-adhesive backed stencil left a lot to be desired
when it came to the sharpness of the design on the skin. It
took longer to apply, and there is no way I could guarantee
a perfect result everytime.
Myth 5 : Adhesive contains
reactive chemicals.
Wrong, the natural adhesive on the back of most sticky
stencils is completely safe, however, when you decide
to get out that spray adhesive, you might want to think
twice.
There are some very good spray adhesives out there that
are completely safe to use and work very well. There are
also some bad ones.
So before you use that spray adhesive, please make sure
that it is safe to use, and won't create any problems
of it's own.
Artists that use adhesive backed stencils are less likely
to even use spray adhesive. It's only those that need
to add adhesive (non-adhesive-backed stencil users) that
use spray adhesive often.
There are some brands on the market that can cause rashes
and allergic reactions. If you must use adhesive, please
make sure it is safe before using it.
Conclusion :
You see, both arguments are quite entitled to their opinion,
because there are many factors that come into the equasion.
My advice, do whichever, it really is up to you. It is
also up to you to keep your stencils clean, no matter
which kind you use.
Australian Airbrushed Tattoos supply the adhesive backed
variety of stencil. They have been thoroughly tested for
reactions to the skin and passed every test with flying
colours. This is one of the things that Australian Airbrushed
Tattoo operators are benefitting from, our combined experience
and willingness to put their minds at ease, and make their
lives that little bit easier.
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