How do I apply my sleeve tattoo?Updated a month ago

Before you start (what you’ll need)

• A mirror (or a friend to help, highly recommended)
• A damp cloth

Step 1: Moisturise 1-2 hours before the prepping starts

Step 2: Pick a time when you can stay relatively still for 15–20 minutes and keep the tattoo dry for the first few hours after applying. Sleeves are bigger, so rushing is the #1 reason they go patchy or shift.

Step 3: Prep your skin properly (this is everything)

• Shave the area (even if you have light hair)
   Hair stops full contact and causes gaps and lifting.
• Use the primer wipes provided
   Wipe the full area and let it dry fully. This helps remove oils and improves adhesion.

Step 4: When you take the sleeve out the box, roll it the other way to straighten it out.

Step 5: Get another person to help you. A second person makes a huge difference with sleeves:

• They can hold tension on the paper
• Press evenly across the whole design
• Stop it shifting while you wet it
  

Step 6: Remove the sleeve from its plastic & peel the clear protective film off

Step 7: Position & wrap the sleeve around smoothly

• Keep the paper slightly lifted as you wrap, so it doesn’t stick too early
• Smooth from the centre outward as you go - we recommend putting your arm straight on something like a table to help keep your arm flat/rigid.
• Avoid creases - If it starts to wrinkle, lift gently and reposition before wetting.
  

Step 8: Apply water evenly

• Use a damp cloth and press firmly onto the backing
• Keep steady pressure across each section. Work from top to bottom in overlapping sections.
• Make sure every part gets equal attention. Sleeves fail when some areas stay “too dry” and      don’t transfer.
  

Step 9: Check the backing before you peel. You want the backing paper to look fully saturated and slightly softened. If it still feels stiff/dry in spots, keep pressing with the damp cloth.

Step 10: Peel the backing off slowly

• Peel from one corner slowly
• If any part is lifting or sticking to the paper, stop immediately. Press that area again with the damp cloth and wait a little longer, then continue.

Step 11: First 6–8 hours after application (this period matters a lot)

• Keep it dry
• Avoid sweating heavily
• Avoid scrubbing or scratching the design
  

Step 12: Aftercare for best results (next 24–48 hours)

• Do not moisturise while the tattoo is developing
• Avoid scrubbing the area in the shower
• Pat dry, don’t rub
• Avoid exfoliating products on the tattoo area
  
  

Extra tips for sleeves specifically

• Hold the damp cloth in place for longer than you think you need, especially over detailed areas and edges.
• Wrinkles happen most on inner elbow and wrist areas
  Straighten your arm on a flat surface e.g table when applying to reduce creasing.
• Patchy spots
  If you notice a small patch didn’t transfer well, don’t panic. Let it fully develop first (some tattoos darken over 24–72 hours depending on your skin).

Want to watch a video? Watch how we apply sleeves here: