Ink Guard Aftercare Guide
Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Instructions
How to apply Ink Guard, care for a new tattoo, and recognize when something may be wrong.
- Start with
- Clean hands and dry skin
- Wear time
- Follow current packaging
- If concerned
- Contact your artist or clinician
Application and care
Apply, monitor, and remove with care
A fresh tattoo is healing skin. Always follow your tattoo artist's advice and the instructions supplied with your Ink Guard roll. Those instructions take priority over this general guide.
-
Prepare clean, dry skin
Wash and dry your hands. Clean the tattoo exactly as directed by the artist, then pat it dry without rubbing. The surrounding skin should be fully dry before adhesive film is applied.
-
Cut and apply a fresh piece
Prepare enough film to cover the tattoo and surrounding skin. Avoid touching the adhesive surface. Position the film without stretching it, then smooth it gently from the center toward the edges.
-
Monitor the seal and your skin
Follow the wear time and replacement schedule printed on the current product packaging or provided by the tattoo artist. Check the film regularly. If it becomes loose, damaged, soiled, or no longer seals the entire tattoo, follow the artist's instructions for removing or replacing it.
-
Remove slowly and continue aftercare
Wash and dry your hands, then remove the film slowly according to the product instructions. Clean the tattoo gently and pat it dry. If the artist instructs you to re-cover it, use only a fresh piece and follow the confirmed replacement schedule.
Common questions
Aftercare questions
Can I shower while wearing Ink Guard?
Ink Guard is described by the brand as waterproof for showering, but a healing tattoo should not be soaked. Avoid baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and other bodies of water until the tattoo has healed.
When should I remove the film early?
Follow your artist's instructions. Remove the film and seek advice if you develop significant burning, intense itching, a worsening rash, blisters, hives, or swelling, or if the film is damaged and no longer seals the tattoo.
What can normal healing look like?
Some redness, swelling, soreness, and clear fluid can occur after tattooing. Itching, flaking, and light scabbing may also occur as skin heals. These symptoms should improve rather than become darker, wider, or more painful.
Studio aftercare
Keep aftercare ready before the appointment
Restock protective film and studio essentials before your next client.