How to Choose the Best Tattoo Stencil Printer
Before picking a stencil printer, it’s important to understand the different methods used to transfer your artwork onto hectographic paper — the layered sheet that helps move your design onto the skin.
In this article, we’ll break down the types of stencil printers available and help you figure out which one fits best with the way you work.
Thermal Copiers vs. Thermal Printers: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to making stencils, most artists rely on one of two methods: thermal copiers or thermal printers. Both use heat to transfer your artwork onto hectographic paper — a multi-layered sheet made up of a drawing layer, a pigment sheet, and a protective layer. Heat activates the pigment transfer, creating the stencil you’ll apply to the skin.
Both tools serve the same purpose: getting your design onto the stencil. But the way they do it is totally different.
Here’s how:
A thermal copier transfers your design from a physical copy — it could be a hand-drawn sketch or a printed version of a digital file — onto stencil paper.
A thermal printer, on the other hand, takes your design straight from a digital file on your tablet, smartphone, or desktop and prints it directly onto the stencil paper.
Your Art Process Matters
Every artist has their own way of working. Some feel more at home sketching on a tablet, others prefer the feel of pencil on paper. Both approaches are valid, and both work perfectly with the stencil transfer methods we’ve talked about.
Whether you’re digital or analog, you can use either a thermal copier or a thermal printer to create your stencils.
Now let’s take a look at the options available on the market.
3 Ways to Transfer Your Design to Stencil
Brother PJ‑883
The Brother PJ‑883 is a portable, high-resolution thermal printer (300 dpi) that uses direct thermal technology. It’s a favorite among studios with digital setups (like tablets) looking for a fast, efficient workflow. With built-in Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and USB‑C, it connects easily to Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS devices — no complicated setup needed. It’s compact, quiet, and handles everything from bold linework to detailed designs.
About the paper? You can use Repro FX Spirit Green, Repro FX Spirit Classic Purple (available in 21.6 x 27.9 cm and 21.6 x 35.5 cm), or Clear Cut Transparent.
TIM Thermocopier
The TIM Thermocopier is a thermal copier developed specifically for tattoo stencils by a well-known brand in the industry. It uses infrared heat to transfer crisp lines onto stencil paper, with built-in sensors to control temperature and avoid overheating.
It supports paper widths up to 23 cm, has an easy-to-clean internal structure (silicone rollers and a special glass reflector), and a fast cooling cycle — ideal for studios and artists who prefer drawing by hand.
For the TIM or any other thermal copier, you can use Repro FX Spirit Green, Repro FX Spirit Classic Purple (in both 21.6 x 27.9 cm and 21.6 x 35.5 cm), or Clear Cut Transparent.
Once your design is ready, place it together with the stencil paper inside a thermal copier carrier sheet. These acetate sheets help distribute heat evenly across the paper, improving the final transfer quality significantly.
EcoTank
The EcoTank is a thermal printer that works on a similar principle to the Brother PJ‑883. What sets it apart is that it requires special ink. If you go with this printer, make sure to use either InkJet Stencils or Electrum Eco Stencil ink.
As for paper, you’ll need one that’s designed to hold this specific type of ink and transfer cleanly to the skin. Our go-to recommendation is InkJet Hectographic Paper.
Your Process, Your Choice
Choosing between a thermal printer and a thermal copier isn’t just a technical decision — it’s about how you work, how you think through your designs, and how you prep every stencil. It’s about trusting your process. The right tool won’t just make your work easier; it helps lay a stronger professional foundation.
There’s no right or wrong choice here. The best tattoo stencil printer is the one that fits your workflow.
Still unsure about which printer is right for you or your studio? Get in touch — we’re here to help you decide with clarity and confidence.
Talk to us