PI-WIKI-CHEM-29 · Applied Chemistry · reviewed 2026-10-31
Applied Chemistry, Stencil Transfer Chemistry
Critical numbers
Thermal copier settingPer paper manufacturer; too hot = bleeding lines
Isopropyl alcohol for prep70% preferred (best bactericidal range 60-90% ; slower evaporation) [10]
Green soap dilutionDiluted with water, at the manufacturer's ratio
Stencil drying timeCommonly 5-10 minutes or more before tattooing
Gentian violet settingSets as the carrier dries; wait before wiping
Sebum output, high areasFace, scalp, chest, upper back [9]
Sebum output, low areasArms and legs [9]
Skin surface pHNormally below 5 [5]
Thermal paper dyeUsually gentian (crystal) violet
Body heat and blurRarely the cause; check the carrier and wiping
Dedicated fluid filmMany dedicated fluids leave a thin film that resists wiping
Gentian violet dye mechanismStains keratin in the stratum corneum; slow to wash off
Do not
- Stencil wipes away completely within 30 minutes
- Stencil smears on placement
- Stencil transfers faint/partial
- Stencil blurs and spreads during the session
- Stencil irritates skin
- Stencil does not adhere to oily areas (face
Applicable standards
- European Union — Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
- United States — FDA: a product applied to the skin to change its appearance can be a cosmetic.…
- ASEAN / Asia-Pacific — ASEAN Cosmetic Directive