Practice skin is made of synthetic materials that mimic the texture and feel of real skin. They provide apprentices and beginner tattoo artists a way to develop their skills before they tattoo a real customer. They can also be used by more experienced tattoo artists trying out a new design or technique they’re not as familiar with.

Tattoo practice skin is available in various forms such as plain sheets, anatomical shapes, and realistic body parts. Whilst it’s better to start with the sheets first, the realistic body parts help give apprentices and beginners a way to experience the natural curvature of the human body and how to work with this when tattooing.

It’s an important piece of tattoo equipment that can pave the way for a tattoo artist to build a strong skill set and start their career off strong. 

You might be wondering what the best skin is to practise tattooing on. Here at Killer Ink, we are here to help you understand where to begin when choosing the best tattoo practice skin!

How to Use Tattoo Practice Skin

Before you start practising, it’s important to understand how to practice tattooing on fake skin so you can get the best experience and results! 

  • Clean the practice skin before use, such as with green soap and water.
  • Apply the stencil using a primer suitable for the skin, or freehand the design.
  • Use your tattoo machine as you would on real skin, paying attention to the needle depth and pressure.
  • Clean the practice skin after tattooing. As practice skin is non-porous, it’s important to use an alternative to green soap as the ink could end up spreading. A good alternative is Vaseline or Hustle Butter!  You could also use alcohol to clean the practice skin but it’s important to note this won’t be suitable on a client’s skin and should only be used on synthetic skin.

You may be able to reuse the practice skin after cleaning, but you should check the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to make sure.

Skinz: Practice Skins for Realistic Training

As mentioned earlier, it can be better to start with practice skin sheets first. The sheets are often more affordable which can be helpful when you’re just starting out and more likely to make mistakes. The affordability of the sheets means there is a little less pressure about getting everything spot on and you have a little more freedom to make mistakes!  

Created by Cosmedic Supplies, Skinz Fake Tattoo Skin is a handmade silicone product that’s been specially designed to mimic the anatomy of the texture, density, and sound of skin. They offer practice skin sheets in a range of skin tones and colours, as well as sizes and shapes, to fit different practise needs. 

These high-quality skins are durable and suitable for both beginners and advanced artists wanting to try new techniques and perfect designs!

You can shop the range of practice skins by Skinz we have available, including their A3 and A4 sizes, and find the best skin to practice tattooing on for your needs! 

Reelskin: Ultra-Realistic Tattoo Practice Skins

Reelskin focuses on creating the most realistic synthetic tattoo practice skin, designed to provide a true-to-life experience for tattoo practice!

They have sheets and anatomical shapes, such as forearms, wrists, and hands, that are ideal for creating realistic tattoo designs and improving your technique as a beginner. 

Once you have practised on the sheets and start to feel a little more confident, it can be good to get experience with Reelskin’s practice body parts. This can help you better understand how to create tattoo designs whilst taking into account the natural curvatures of the human body. 

Shop the range of Reelskin practice skin for tattoos we have available at Killer Ink!

Practising Permanent Make-up Procedures: The Importance of Using Practice Skins

When starting out as a PMU artist, mastering your technique on practice skins is crucial before working on real clients, just as it is when training as a tattoo artist! These practice skins allow you to refine your skills, develop a steady hand, and experiment with different styles and techniques without the pressure of permanent results. Whether you’re perfecting eyebrows, eyeliner, or lip procedures, practice skins provide a safe and realistic surface to build your confidence and precision.

One beneficial tool for PMU artists is the MicroPad Simulation Kit. This kit offers a lifelike surface that mimics human skin, allowing you to practise various procedures in a controlled environment. The MicroPad Head Simulation Kit takes this a step further by offering a 3D surface, simulating the contours of a real face. These tools are invaluable for improving your technique and ensuring that you’re fully prepared to deliver outstanding results for your clients.

Investing time in practising on these skins will not only enhance your skills but also help you understand the nuances of different pigments and needle techniques, setting you up for success in your PMU career.

Choosing the Best Practice Skin for Your Tattoo Journey

Investing in the best skin to practise tattooing on is an essential step for any tattoo artist looking to build a strong skill set, improve their technique, and ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients. 

Once you’re further along in your training and you’re feeling more confident and you’re ready to make a displayable piece of art, A Pound of Flesh Micros, such as the Pumpkin or Moth, are a cute and affordable option. You could also try out one of their premium 3D models, such as the Sphynx Cat or Lucky Cat!

At Killer Ink, we offer a variety of tattoo practice skin to suit every artist’s needs, helping you start your tattooing journey with confidence and precision. 

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