If you’re a budding tattoo artist, practice is essential. Precision and accuracy are the name of the game regarding tattooing. Perfecting your craft takes time and a lot of practice on various surfaces. The best and most common substitute for human skin is fake skin for tattooing, also known as tattoo practice skin.
There are several types of fake skin for tattooing, ranging from high-end, expensive options to cheaper, lower-quality alternatives. Here, we’ll compare the options so that you can choose the best fake skin for tattooing, keeping your comfort and budget in mind.
Silicone Practice Skin
Silicone tattoo practice skin is highly preferred and used by most tattoo artists because of its life-like texture and unique properties. The surface of silicone practice skin is smooth, flexible, and similar to human skin. Furthermore, it is waterproof and can be reused several times after cleaning properly.
Another great feature of silicone tattoo practice skin is that it comes in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, making it an ideal option to try different techniques. The only downside of silicone practice skin for tattooing is that it is relatively expensive compared to other fake skins.
Rubber Practice Skin
Rubber tattoo practice skin is another good option for beginners to start with. It is an affordable alternative, and the texture is closer to human skin than other options. However, a major drawback of rubber practice skin is that it dries out faster than silicone skin, making it less reusable.
Paper-Based Practice Skin
Paper-based tattoo practice skin is one of the most affordable options available. It is easy to trace designs onto the surface, making it beginner-friendly. The only downside is that the texture is not as life-like as silicone or rubber practice skin and may not provide the necessary insight into proper techniques.
Mesh Fabric Practice Skin
Mesh fabric tattoo practice skin is another popular option that provides a realistic texture. Mesh fabric is suitable for beginners and professionals as it is lightweight and has an excellent grip. However, the downside of using mesh fabric is that it is costlier than other practice skin options.
Pig Skin
Pig skin is the closest substitute for human skin in terms of texture. Several tattoo artists prefer professional tattoo kits for pig skin, along with other materials. The only drawback is that it could be vegan-friendly. Additionally, it requires more preparation and a more hands-on approach regarding cleaning and sterilisation protocols.
Conclusion
Tattooing is an art; it takes time and practice, like all arts. Choosing the best fake skin for tattooing is essential when starting, but it can be inexpensive. Many alternatives provide realistic textures and give a proper perspective of what tattooing on human skin feels like. It is essential to remember that each type of practice skin has its pros and cons, so you should choose wisely based on your requirements and budget. When you finally perfect your tattooing technique, nothing can beat the feeling of practising your art on human skin.
