How to Use Ink Nurse Wrap Pro Second Skin Film

Second skin film has become a standard part of how a lot of artists send clients home, and most of the questions we get about it are practical ones. How long do I leave it on. Can I shower. What happens when I take it off.

Here's the straight answer for Wrap Pro.

What It Is and Whether You Need It

Wrap Pro is a breathable second skin layer that goes over a fresh tattoo to protect it from dirt, rubbing and friction in the early days, while still letting the skin underneath breathe.

It's a thin, flexible, semi-permeable polyurethane film with a skin-friendly adhesive, made using Japanese film technology. It's latex-free, and at 0.01mm you'll barely notice it's on.

You don't always need it. Your artist will guide you on that. But a lot of people find it useful for the first day or two, especially over areas that rub against clothing.

Every Ink Nurse order includes two pre-cut squares free, so you can try it without buying a roll first. It also comes as a 10cm x 10m roll if you want to cut your own.

How to Apply It

Usually your artist applies the first film at the end of your session, so follow their instructions on when to take it off. If you're applying it yourself:

1. Make sure the skin is clean and completely dry. This is the step people rush and it's the one that matters most. Any moisture left behind and the adhesive won't seal properly at the edges.

2. Cut a piece large enough to cover the tattoo with a border around the edges. You want the film sitting on clean skin all the way around, not right on the edge of the work. Cut to fit, or overlap two pieces for a larger area.

3. Peel off the backing and place the adhesive side down.

4. Smooth it on from the centre outward. That pushes the air out toward the edges instead of trapping bubbles underneath.

How Long to Leave It On

Most people keep a piece on for around 24 to 48 hours. Some go longer, up to about five days if needed, but your artist's instructions come first since they know your piece.

When you're ready for a fresh piece, wash the tattoo with Foam Nurse, pat dry, make sure the skin is completely dry, then apply the next one.

Showering and Water

It's water-resistant, so showering during early healing is fine.

It isn't designed for soaking. Skip baths, swimming and spas while it's on. Water sitting against the film breaks down the seal at the edges, which defeats the point of it.

When to Take It Off Early

If fluid builds up noticeably underneath, take it off sooner rather than waiting it out. Wash the tattoo gently with Foam Nurse, pat dry, and either apply a fresh piece or move on to your cream routine.

How to Remove It

Remove it slowly under warm running water. The water loosens the adhesive at the edges so the film lets go rather than pulling at the skin. Don't peel it off dry and don't rush it.

What Comes Next

Once it's off, wash with Foam Nurse, pat dry with lint-free paper towel, and let the skin air dry properly. Then apply a thin layer of Ink Nurse Remedy Cream and carry on with your normal routine.

A Note on Adhesive Sensitivity

Some people are more prone to reacting to adhesive than others. If you've had a reaction to adhesive bandages or plasters before, patch-test first. Cut a small piece, apply it to nearby skin, and leave it an hour or two to see how you go.

If you're unsure whether what you're seeing is an adhesive reaction or something else, speak to your artist, a pharmacist or your doctor.

Follow your tattoo artist's specific instructions, since second skin isn't used on every piece. For the full step-by-step on washing, moisturising and protecting a fresh tattoo, see the Tattoo Care Bible.

Ink Nurse is available at over 600 Chemist Warehouse stores nationally and at ink-nurse.com. Also available in the United States at Spencer's stores nationwide.

How to Use Ink Nurse Wrap Pro Second Skin Film