Welcome to InkJet Stencils®

You're about five steps and one printer fill away from printing stencils straight from your iPad or computer. Here's the path most artists follow. Follow the directions on this page to get started today, or click through the attached articles to learn more.

What you need to get started

  • InkJet Stencils® ink (4 oz bottle). Prints about 3,000 stencils.
  • InkJet Stencils® stencil printing paper (500-page pack - either letter or legal sized)
  • Your choice of stencil applicator.  We recommend Stencil-Prep® spray, which was made to work our ink.
  • An Epson EcoTank Printer.   (Which printer should I buy)
  • A device with your digital file.  (Most artists use iPads.  You can also use software to take a scan of your physical drawings)

Getting to Your First Stencil

1

Choose your printer

Any Epson EcoTank works. We recommend the monochrome ET-M1170. Printing back pieces? A 24-inch large-format printer prints them on one sheet.

Which printer to buy →
Large-format stencils →

2

Set up your printer

Fill the tank with stencil ink before you power on for the first time. Wear gloves, then connect to Wi-Fi. About 15 minutes.

EcoTank setup →

3

Prepare and print your design

Use solid black, strong contrast and clean lines, sized to the tattoo. Print on Presentation Paper Matte at Best quality, and mirror if needed.

Design basics →
Print settings →
Sizing your stencil →

4

Apply your stencil

Start with clean, dry skin. Rub in a thin coat of Stencil-Prep® until tacky, then press for 30 to 60 seconds and peel slowly.

Applying your stencil →

#

Something not right? See Troubleshooting.