Artool™ continues with inspired dedication to deliver the latest product advancements and precision innovations to artists and hobbyists everywhere. From our legendary Freehand™ Airbrush Templates, various Masking Film and Artist Bridges, to Cuttingsrails® and Cutting Mats, Artool™ supplies the essential products that discriminating professionals demand.

Temporary Tattoos

Spotlight on: Artool Body-of-Art Products

Today, temporary tattoos are more than just a rub-on decal that you find enclosed in a bubblegum wrapper or on the back of a comic book. Modern temporary tattoos are impossible to distinguish from real needle-designed tattoos, but they have the advantage of being removable when desired or they will simply wear off in a few days (not to mention they are painless to apply!).

Two types of temporary tattoos available in the art material market from Artool Body-of-Art Products are Temporary Tattoos, which are transfers applied to the skin with rubbing alcohol and then hand painted; and Airbrush Body Art, which is fantasy artwork applied to the body with an airbrush using stencils and color blending. Both of these methods produce very realistic tattoos that will last three to five days. The 15 vivid paint colors available are non-toxic, the manner of application is safe, and they can be applied easily in a matter of minutes.

When choosing an airbrush for Airbrush Body Art, several things should be considered. What is the airbrush constructed of? Make sure it is a high quality material that will last a long time and not require replacement next year! Secondly, does the airbrush come with a warranty? Be sure the company stands behind its product. And, most importantly, is the airbrush recommended for use with Airbrush Body Art Paint? The paint is alcohol-based and will clog some airbrush brands. Artool recommends using the Iwata Eclipse C with their Body Art Airbrush Paints.

Airbrushed tattoos are developed in the same way that artists and illustrators develop most airbrushed paintings--with a stencil. A variety of very contemporary stencil images (from Flowers and Birds to Kanji Characters and Instant Henna) are available from Artool.

Following are basic instructions for the application of Artool Airbrush Body Art tattoos:

1. Select the Body Art stencil design and colors (often the most difficult part of the process!). Lay these out before you start.

   Consider where the tattoo will be placed and the size of the area to be covered.

2. Cleanse the area of skin that will be painted with 70% (only) isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils that may interfere with paint adhesion.

3. After the skin has dried, apply the stencil to the skin. Since the stencil is self-adhering (with a light medical-grade adhesive), it allows a free hand to use while airbrushing.

4. Using a light color or white basecoat on the skin makes the additional colors appear brighter and more vibrant. Then spray from the lightest color to the darkest. Lightly overlapping the color produces a beautiful color fade.

5. For cleaning the airbrush between color changes, use a good airbrush cleaner. NOTE: Never mix water with alcohol-based paints. Alcohol may be used to wipe down the airbrush and its parts. When finished, all overspray above and below the stencil can be removed from the skin with alcohol.

6. The application of Artool Setting Powder is key to longevity of the tattoo. (This adheres to natural skin oils and prevents the oils from breaking up the tattoo.)

With normal wear, tattoos will remain for three to five days and can be removed at any time with rubbing alcohol or baby oil. You must avoid contact between your tattoo and oils, lotions, shampoo, and conditioner; and remember to periodically reapply the setting powder. Be sure to read instructions for best results.

So have fun! Be daring or discreet with Artool Body-of-Art products! Online at www.arttalk.com/bodyart/bodyart.htm.