Stencil sticking solution?

I've read threads about getting stencils to stick, but it's still so frustrating. I find it really depends on the person's skin. Some stencils stick with no problem, others it barely stays on. The one trick I haven't tried is the hair dryer, but I have to ask, how do you use a hair dryer without an outlet? Do you have a generator? Are there battery-powered hair dryers (i feel like there should be...would be great for travel, but I couldn't find any online). Any other tricks?

Thanks!

Are you letting the skin dry completely before applying the stencil? I have a way that can get any stencil to stay including small pieces. Have you ever used a squeege?

I should have someone take a video of me doing it. Its so easy and quick. Also heat can effect how the stencils work for you. If you are outside don't let them get hot because they will be hard to work with. Tomorrow i can explain how when i am on a computer. If you do not let the alcohol dry completely, alcohol will not allow the vinyl to stick on the skin. Always have tissues handy to remove moisture from the skin. Keep your stencils stored in a place that doesn't get hot if working outside. Ill explain and try to have someone help me make a video. With my technique you can get any stencils to lay perfect on the skin. Also can provide some tips on removing glitter that stinks to skin that gets sweaty fast while working outdoors. ill be back!

Yay! I'll be waiting

we are keeping a flat cold pack in with the stencils now and we keep a small dish of ice and keep the glue in it, after keeping them cool at a 3 day outdoor event in the very hot humid weather it saved our rumps! that first day the first three tatts hubby was so frustrated, his glue was stringy and lumpy and the tatts would not stick...So I suggested he put the tatts in the boxes on the flat ice pack and ice the glue down a bit, it worked so much better. The tatts can be as temperamental as the glue when it's hot and sticky out.

Okay, now I'm confused. Mark from faketoos suggests warming up the skin to help the stencil stick, and now I hear heat is bad. Hmmm...

I've only had trouble with tattoos not sticking when the alcohol on their arm isn't dry yet. I just make a fanning motion with my hand to help it dry quicker, but you could always buy one of those little battery-operated handheld fans from the dollar store. I think I'll grab a few of those when I do tats for Canada Day celebrations.

I actually did buy a little battery operated fan and used it. Maybe I'm not fanning long enought? I've been doing it maybe 10 seconds. It seems like it really depends on the person's skin. Some people are no problem, others it barely holds on. I thought maybe it has to to with how oily or dry their skin is?

warming skin is good, hot tattoo's are bad
I place my hand over the are that I cleaned with alcohol to warm it back up

Ahh. So I've been putting my hand over the stencils once they're on. I thought that would mimic the heat from the dryer, but it sounds like I'm just warming the stencil and working against myself!

The stencils will work if you put your hand on them with your body heat. The stencils are harder to work with if they are left in a hot car, or in very hot weather. Vinyl expands and is stretchier in hot temperatures. They are harder to remove from the transfer tape. I promise ill get a video made. I can try but its better to have someone's help holding the camera. I have a few tips and tricks on what to do in certain situations. Where do you get your stencils? Do you make yours?

I have same problem with faketoos stencils, sometimes I can't get them stick well to the skin. I read Marks tutorials and use a scraper, but still have trouble. When I use colorini I need stencil to stick very well to get crisp line and no bleeding.
Somebody on facebook mentioned they have same issue. I have to say I really like Marks designs, but I started to order stencils made from thicker vinyl from other stores.

I've only used faketoos.

I tried Ybodys, Signature glitter stencils, they are made from thicker vinyl and stick much better for me.

we have had three gigs in over100* weather and we have to travel in my old truck with out AC so I started throwing Ice packs into my FP kit on top of my paints and one in the glitter tatt kit and I'm telling ya keeping them cool makes all the difference in the world. I bought a flatish ice pack for my head and it sits very well under the file boxes we use for the tatts, it keeps them cool for a few hours, we drop it back into out ice chest and pull out the second one we have and we trade back and forth. It really helped at this last event where it was over 100* and then it started raining and it was then HOT and very humid, like breathing through a wet towel. We did quite a few tatts when the weather changed, not much call for FP when the sweat is pouring off the clients

I had the non sticking issues in my home doing tatts for me and my kids, so it was not related to weather at all.
If you put ice pack next to tatts glue, will it affect the glue?

Btw, katerra, your patriotic tiger is awesome. The stenciled stars add a nice touch. Love it!

Thanks a lot earthorange!
I was inspired by this tutorial, but changed it a little :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OhEvnAQ3mg

Hey Eileen, still eagerly awaiting your video Do you think it will be anytime soon?

Oh yes! I actually wrote down some ideas for it. Just had a lot going on this past week with work and some upsetting news about my best friend. I go all out so Im wanting to know if you have any recommendations on things i should include to help people who do glitter hats. I even thought about writing a small book. Please let me know what you all think can be helpful. I've picked up some cool tricks along the way. I promise I've thought a lot and planned some ideas.