How to Use

 

Getting started with InkJet Stencils®

Everything you need to start printing professional tattoo stencils

Recommended printer

Any Epson EcoTank printer will work. Do not use HP or Canon inkjet printers. They use thermal printheads that are not compatible with the stencil ink formula.

The recommended printer for InkJet Stencils® is the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170. Monochrome models are preferred - they have a single ink tank, simpler operation, and more reliable paper handling than color EcoTank models.

If you use a color EcoTank model, fill all four color tanks with the stencil ink.

Setting up your printer

  1. Take the printer out of the box and keep the instruction guide.
  2. Do not power up the printer until you have filled the ink tanks.
  3. Put gloves on to avoid staining your hands.
  4. Open the cover of the printer to access all the ink tank(s). Remove the dispensing caps from the Epson ink bottles that came with the printer.
  5. Open the InkJet Stencils® ink and carefully pierce the foil seal with a pin or small pointed object.
  6. Place an Epson dispensing cap on top of the ink tank port. This will be used as a funnel.
  7. Dispense the ink into the tank. If using a color printer, distribute evenly into all four tanks (approximately 1oz per tank). Four ounces will not fill the tanks completely but will print approximately 3,000 stencils.
  8. Replace all tank caps securely.
  9. Plug in the printer and turn it on. Follow the startup process as prompted.
  10. Connect the printer to your WiFi network. You can send files from any wireless device over the network.

Printing your stencil

InkJet Stencils® prints at up to 5,000 DPI - significantly higher resolution than thermal stencil systems (which cap at 203 DPI). To get the best results:

  • Set paper type to Presentation Paper Matte in the printer options (on the printer).
  • Set print quality to Best for maximum detail in the print options (on your PC or mobile device).
  • If using a color printer, print in Color mode.
  • Mirror your design before printing if needed for correct orientation on skin.
  • Load one sheet of stencil paper at a time into the rear feed slot.

Applying the stencil to skin

InkJet Stencils® uses a different transfer mechanism than thermal stencil paper. Do not use green soap, Vaseline, deodorant sticks, or standard thermal stencil prep solutions. These do not activate the inkjet dye transfer mechanism.

Use Stencil-Prep® spray, the patented prep solution designed specifically for Inkjet Stencils® ink. It works by neutralizing the skin's pH, which activates the methyl violet formula to produce a vivid, durable stencil that resists fading during long sessions.

  1. Clean and dry the skin area.
  2. Apply a thin, even coat of Stencil-Prep® spray to the skin and allow it to become slightly tacky — approximately 30 seconds.
  3. Place the printed stencil face-down on the prepared area.
  4. Press firmly and evenly across the full stencil for 30–60 seconds.
  5. Peel the paper back slowly and evenly.
  6. Allow the stencil to dry fully before beginning the tattoo.

Still need help?

Give us a call at 408-891-8181 and we'll work it out.