While tattoo machines and fancy synthetic skins tend to take the spotlight, there are some products we know that artists will always need - and that includes stencil primers.

The only way to get a usable stencil from paper to skin is with a good stencil application solution, and we have a whole range to tempt you. Check out products from huge brands like Panthera, ELECTRUM and Aloe Tattoo, with a range of consistencies, strengths and properties!

Here are our favourite solutions for excellent stencil application - most of which also work with skin markers - and keep on reading for a bonus section on the best stencil erasers!

Stencil Stuff & Spray Stuff

First up we have two excellent products from Tattoo Stuff™

Stencil Stuff has been on the market since 2005, which is practically an age in tattoo industry terms - and for good reason!

This 100% non-toxic, vegan-friendly solution creates long-lasting tattoo stencils with incredibly crisp transfers, perfect for all those awkward little details.

Its creamy consistency means adding just the right amount is easy, and if you misplace your stencil, it’ll come off with an alcohol wipe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07FQwSPOKPI

Spray Stuff is pretty different from your standard stencil primer, as it actually goes on top of hand-drawn designs!

Also non-toxic, vegan-friendly and free from harsh chemicals, you can apply Spray Stuff on top of skin marker and pen-drawn stencils to keep them visible on the skin for longer.

Used by: Alex Lloyd and Rare Candy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMFVECmfi9Y

ELECTRUM & ELECTRUM Gold Standard Tattoo Stencil Primer

ELECTRUM Tattoo Stencil Primer is one of the industry’s favourite primers that works incredibly well with both traditional tattoo carbon stencils and with skin markers/Sharpies too!

Deodorant-free, non-toxic and vegan-approved to cater to all your clients’ needs, this skin-friendly formula can go directly on top of freshly cleaned, dried and prepped skin. For paper stencils, it only needs a few seconds to sit - if using skin markers, leave it up to 10 minutes before drawing.

A little goes a really long way with ELECTRUM primers, so just a 5p sized amount will cover an entire forearm.

While the original ELECTRUM is a gel-based primer, ELECTRUM Gold Standard is lotion-based, which can result in neater, crisper stencils. We’d recommend Gold Standard for more complex stencil designs where the differences between tones are more subtle!

Just like the standard ELECTRUM, it can be used for both stencil paper and skin marker pens. This ultra sticky formula holds transfer paper very well, reducing the risk that your design will slip and result in a smudged stencil on the skin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nazVTMuk98

Hornet Honey Stencil

This honey-scented stencil application solution works well, with a little going a very long way!

Despite the apian theme, Hornet Honey Stencil is made from sustainable ingredients, totally vegan and never tested on animals, so even the strictest vegan will be able to enjoy this novelty.

If you’re careful with wiping, this thick, sticky solution will last for hours!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlQfMcqa8xo

Anchored Stencil Solution

This much-loved stencil solution from tattoo icon Nikko Hurtado is one of the industry’s favourites for incredibly clear and crisp tattoo stencils!

Nikko tested and experimented for years to find this solution that will accurately transfer precise tattoo stencils that last for hours throughout the tattoo. As a portrait artist, he understands the difficulties in getting the right level of detail from your stencils, and in the Anchored Stencil Solution formula he really nails it!

Used by: Simon Mora.

Aloe Tattoo Stencil Premium

Perfect for transfering incredibly precise stencils from paper to skin, the Aloe Tattoo transparent gel made with aloe vera is easy to use and effective!

Fragrance and deodorant free for a nicer experience all round, the non-toxic and non-sticky solution that goes a very long way. Simply apply a single drop for up to 15 x 15 cm of stencil, spreading it over the skin and then holding the stencil to it for 3-5 seconds. Wait ten minutes and you’re good to go!

Used by: Damian Gorski & Ben Dunning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1EEly9sir4&t=1s

Proton - Professional Stencil Primer

It’s difficult for a stencil primer or application solution to make bold promises - we all use different levels of green soap and may be more or less frequent in our wiping - but Proton Stencil Primer bucks the trend by guaranteeing an entire 15 hours stencil duration!

Made with a waxy formula, you can apply your stencil paper gently without worrying about spreading designs as you move. The result is clean, long-lasting stencils with the precision you need for even the most detailed tattoos.

Used by: Simon Mora.

Panthera Ink Stencil Forte

As big fans of Panthera inks, we knew that their collaboration with Forte Technology laboratories was going to be something good!

Stencil Forte breaks the mold in that it contains antibacterial properties - so whenever you apply this stencil solution, you’re also disinfecting the area and removing pathogens from the skin.

Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, with easy, long-lasting results, you can also grab Stencil Forte in Panthera’s iconic Baboolina colour and fragrance.

Hulk Stencil Superbond

This super thick stencil bond is as strong as its namesake, with crisp, sharp transfers that last throughout the tattoo session.

Hulk Stencil Superbond is designed for use with the Spirit ReproFX carbon stencil papers - in both green and purple - but can equally be used to preserve skin markers and Sharpies!

It’s totally non-toxic, and needs to be applied twice - once rubbed into until fully absorbed, and then again until just damp before applying the stencil.

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Best Stencil Erasers 2025

Thought we were done? A great stencil primer needs a great stencil eraser for those awkward stencil placement mistakes!

Read on for our top 3 stencil erasers and why we love them!

Aloe Tattoo Stencil Eraser

From the same people that brought us Stencil Premium, Stencil Eraser from Aloe Tattoo comes in a hand spray bottle for easy, hygienic application.

Stencil Eraser has a non-irritating formula which means it can be used to reapply stencils, and to remove traces of the stencil at the very end of the appointment when your customer’s skin is still sensitive, and the stencil is totally dried! Once removed, clean the area with distilled water rather than soap.

Used by: Damian Gorski.

Panthera Ink Extreme Stencil Eraser Forte

Panthera and Forte are back it again with this cutting-edge stencil erasing formula!

It’s so effective that hardly any rubbing is needed - just apply it to the desired area and the Extreme Stencil Eraser will start dissolving the stencil. It’ll come away with a few wipes without causing any irritation to the skin - once it’s gone, simply wash the area with soap and water!

Extreme Stencil Eraser is dermatologically tested, so as powerful as it is, it’s also suitable for all skin types.

ELECTRUM Premium Tattoo Stencil Remover & Skin Prep

This high-quality stencil remover from the makers of ELECTRUM Stencil Primer actually has two purposes which work together perfectly - it can be used to prepare skin before a stencil application, and to remove stencils, which means you can skip out an entire step when reapplying stencil designs!

Containing the powerful antiseptic tea tree oil which kills bacteria, viruses and fungi without drying your customer’s skin, it’s nonetheless easy to remove those not-quite-perfect stencils with ELECTRUM Stencil Remover!

Used by: Tiggy Tattoos.

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