Making your own Airbrush Tattoo Stencil

[SevenArt]

Does anyone here make their own airbrush tattoo stencil? If so, what type of material do you use? Would acetate work? Thanks in advance.

[BrushinGabe]

I'm anxious to see what the replies are... When I used the stencils for the body paint it was helpful to have the flex to enable the stencil to wrap and stay close to the skin. Seems as far as Stencils are concerned that as long as you are able to cut it out with the cleanest possible cut. That would make it a winnah!! :headbang:

[robstach]

I have been using my Roland GX-24 to make some REALLY nice stencils. Working well for me.

Was burning some by hand before the Roland, not even a thought of going back.

[Fishboy]

I tried acetate when I first started and found that it was good for only one use. It shriveled and deformed when exposed to alcohol.

The best material seems to be mylar. It is very durable and resistant to many solvents.

The ones I purchased with my original set up are laser cut mylar (between 7.5 and 10 ml). The ones I make myself are hand cut using either thick plastic file folders (poly propylene I think) or 7 ml mylar (just started using this).

I tried 4 mil mylar, but found it was too flimsy. 7 mil is still flexible, but way more durable.

I use a stencil burner or an x-acto knife.

mylar is available from these sites...

This site sells mylar with backing by the roll so it can be used in a plotter...
http://www.bren.org/matguide.htm

This site has a wide variety of thicknesses and widths sold by the foot...
http://www.stencilease.com/db/display.asp?input=1989

This site sells only 5 mil sold in relatively small sheets by singles or multiples of 10...
http://www.stencilplanet.com/stencilmylarsheets.aspx

Hope this helps

[slvrback]

nice post fishboy. i seen a commercial for a xmass gift that cuts stencils. it says it has over 3500? pre-selected designs. im just wonder if you could load new images into it and design you own i just cant think of what it was called. i want to say PEABODY? guess ill be watching tv tmrw to get the name.

[Peabody]

i want to say PEABODY?

You called? :cowboy:

[sweet loretta]

Anyone who wants to deal and can cut - (not by hand) - 10 ml mylar stencils - contact me.

[robstach]

Sent you an email Loretta. I think!

[redanner]

SevenArt I would think it could be done if you have the fine motor skills the stencils would be small. I would like to make some suggestions. Just about anything can be used as a stencil. Go to yard sales that seems to be selling children's stuff. I've had children and have all kinds of things left over from their childhood that could be used for stencils. My children had a pump and spray that had all kinds of plastic & a durable flexible board designs. Also cake decorating has items can be used. The drafting business has gone digital you might be able to find french curves & other temples for sale. The child sticker books could be used by punching out the sticker and then using negative space left. That's just a few things and there is so many more just use your imagination.

[Gioart]

I make all my stencils out of overhead projector sheets, mine are
8 1/2 11 sheets, but I'm pretty sure you can find them in other sizes too.
My buddy works as a Custodian at the local school, so he gets me some whenever I need them.

They are really thin and easy to cut, you can even cut them with good quality scissors if you wanted to.

I only spray water based paints, so I don't know if they would hold up to solvents and such.

I think they'd be great for tattoo's though :)

Hope this helps

Gio

[patriciorip]

I tried some using those radiography plaques with a hand cutter. The result was perfect but never tried spraying haha... do you think it could work?