Which Fake Tattoo Skin Is The Best?

December 09, 2020 - 5 years ago

If you're new to tattooing and have just started your tattoo apprenticeship, you'll probably be wondering which fake tattoo skin is the best, and if you can buy reusable tattoo practice skin, right? There are a lot of different brands out there, all offering their own version of tattoo practice skin, which means it can be a bit of a minefield when it comes to deciding which is right for you.

You'll probably have lots of questions like, which is the best brand? Is the tattoo practice skin reusable? How do I apply the stencil? Don’t worry — we're here to help, and we'll talk you through some of the best options for tattoo practice skin.

So, what is tattoo practice skin?

Tattoo practice skin is a tattooable sheet made of silicone or a synthetic material. It usually comes in the form of a square or rectangle and is durable enough to wrap around a leg or a round surface such as a bottle to give you a more realistic experience when tattooing, rather than just using it on a flat surface.

Some skins come with a band so you can secure them around an arm or a leg. Some brands also offer a variety of flesh tones. Reusable tattoo practice skin isn't an option, so you may want to stock up if you're doing a lot of practising—but some can be tattooed on both sides, so you can flip it over once one side is done. Tattoo apprentices often use practice skins before tattooing real skin to give themselves as much practice as possible. It’s a great way to learn about needle depth, pulling clean lines, and getting used to your tattoo machine.

How do I use tattoo practice skin?

Putting the stencil on can be a little tricky — you’ll need to use the right amount of stencil applicator fluid, let it go tacky before placing the stencil, and leave it to set for a few hours (some brands even suggest overnight). Although practice skin looks and feels realistic, stencil transfer can behave differently from real skin, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once your stencil is on, you’re good to go! Ask your mentor to guide you through the tattoo practice process and mirror a real tattoo set-up for a more authentic experience. This includes cleaning and prepping your workstation, setting up your tattoo machines and inks, and using gloves throughout the process.

Are there other options as well as practice skin sheets?

Yes! Brands like A Pound of Flesh and Reelskin offer tattooable limbs made from the same materials as practice skins but moulded to look and feel like real body parts — hands, feet, arms, even heads! They’re popular with professional artists who want to showcase their work in 3D form or practise on more realistic contours.

What is the best fake skin for tattooing?

Two of the main contenders are Reelskin and A Pound of Flesh. Reelskin offers sheets in various sizes and tones, as well as tattooable limbs like arms and skulls. It’s soft, durable, and among the most realistic synthetic tattoo skins available — a great choice for beginners.

A Pound of Flesh caters more to professional artists, offering realistic limbs, skulls, and decorative pieces. These are ideal for portfolio work or display purposes, providing a premium tattooing experience.

We also offer our own Magnum Tattoo Supplies Practice Skins — a great-quality, affordable option for apprentices. These 6" x 6" sheets come with a strap so you can wrap them around your arm or leg for realistic training.

Tattoo practice skins are extremely beneficial for building skill and confidence. Just like real skin, they’re not reusable — once the ink is in, it’s there for good! While practice skins can’t fully replicate tattooing a living person, they’re an invaluable part of your learning journey.

Your mentor will guide you through every step of the process, from studio etiquette to safe tattooing. Remember, patience and practice are key to mastering your craft.