The guide

How it works

Six easy steps, one night of patience. Your tattoo starts clear, darkens over 24 hours, and lasts about 2 weeks.

Starts clearDarkens in 24hLasts 1-2 weeks
6 simple steps

How to apply

Tap any step. Everything you need is in the box: your tattoo, a Primer Wipe and the Application Towel.

Starts clear, darkens overnight

Why does it take 24 hours?

Drag the timeline. Watch the real arm and the skin layers develop together.

Your tattoo just appliedYour tattoo after 24 hours5H
EpidermisOur temporarytattoo stays here(2 Weeks)DermisReal tattoo ink sits here(Lasts Forever)SubcutisReal tattoo inkTemporaryInked Tattoos (1-2 weeks)Drag sideways to rotate5hours
5h
3h. The ink starts working into the top layer.

Your tattoo does not just sit on your skin. The ink settles into the top layer, the epidermis, and that takes time. It starts clear, then darkens as it settles.

24+hours
for your tattoo to darken after you apply it
3-5days
to fully develop. Every skin type is a little different
1-2weeks
how long it lasts, then it fades away naturally
Optional, for arms

The cling wrap trick

The next morning, the tattoo is dark
At night under cling wrap, the tattoo is still clear
NIGHTMORNING

Want it darker by morning? Wrap your arm in cling film after you apply the tattoo, then sleep on it. The trapped moisture helps the ink develop faster than waiting 3 to 5 days.

  1. Step 1Apply your tattoo at nighttimeFollow the 6 steps above.
  2. Step 2Wrap your arm in cling filmThe kind you use for food. Wrap loosely over the tattoo.
  3. Step 3Sleep on itThe tattoo is still clear under the wrap. It develops while you sleep.
  4. Step 4Peel it off in the morningYour tattoo is now much darker.
Normal

A little ink on the cling film is normal.

Best for

Forearms, arms and legs only.

If you skip it

Your tattoo still develops over 3 to 5 days. Wear long-sleeve clothing for the first 1 to 2 nights while it develops, so it does not rub or spread to other skin.

Tap a spot on the body

How long does it last?

Most tattoos last about 2 weeks. Where you put it changes how long.

Upper armup to 14 daysForearmup to 14 daysFingers5 to 7 days(always in use)Handup to 8 daysChestup to 12 daysThighup to 14 daysCalfup to 12 daysFootup to 9 days

Forearm

Best spot
Day 1 to 7 dark and sharpDay 8 to 14 fading out

Our favourite spot. Flat, visible and low friction.

Lasts longest In the middle Fades fastest Fingers
Day by day
Day 0Day 2Day 8Day 13
Just applied. Clear and glossy, hard to see.
Make it last

Aftercare in 4 steps

Keep it dry

Keep it dry for 24 hours. No showers, swimming or sweating while it settles.

Wear loose clothes

Wear loose, soft sleeves for the first 1 or 2 nights so nothing rubs or transfers.

Moisturise daily

After the first 24 hours, lightly moisturise every day. Never on the day you apply.

Skip the scrubbing

Scrubbing, hot water and salt water all fade it faster. Be gentle until you want it gone.

Your guide kit

Before you start

Use a Primer Wipe before every tattoo. Need more? You can pick up extras any time.

TemporaryInked Primer Wipes

Primer wipes

Step 1 of every tattoo. Engineered to clean your skin perfectly, so your tattoo sticks much better, looks cleaner and applies better. Want the strongest hold? Grab extras so you never run out.

Shop wipes
TemporaryInked Application Towel

Application towel

The towel from step 4. Optional, but it helps. It is engineered for water retention, so your tattoo can develop properly. Soft, branded and made to press evenly.

Shop towel
Troubleshooting

Quick answers

Give it time. It starts clear and develops over 24 hours, and fully settles in 3 to 5 days. Clean, dry skin, even pressure and a fully wet sheet all help. Darkness also depends on the design and your skin.

Press the paper back down, wet it again and hold for a few seconds, then peel slowly. Small gaps usually fill in as it develops.

That is normal. It means the wrap did its job and the moisture helped the ink develop. Peel it off gently in the morning.

Smudges usually come from moisturiser on the skin before applying, or clothes and sheets rubbing in the first night. Wear loose sleeves for the first 1 or 2 nights.

Support

Stuck? We Are Here

Send us a message and we will help you get it right. A photo of your arm makes it much quicker.

  1. 1Snap a photo
  2. 2Tell us which step
  3. 3We fix it with you
Contact us →Opens our Help Centre contact page