You’re four hours into a ribs piece. You’re going to tap out. You reach for the Numbing Spray.
If used correctly, it’s a lifesaver. If used incorrectly, it can feel like a waste of time. Here is the professional protocol for using secondary numbing on open skin.
1. Why Does it Sting? (The Science of Raw Skin)
A common misconception is that numbing spray should feel like nothing. However, our spray contains a high concentration of Lidocaine. Lidocaine is a salt.
If your artist has been "heavy-handed" or has worked the same area repeatedly, your nerve endings are exposed. When the spray hits those raw nerves, you may feel a sharp sting for 30–60 seconds. This is normal. It is the liquid penetrating the open channels. Within a minute, that sting will be replaced by total numbness.
2. The "Sticky Skin" Myth
We often hear from artists that some sprays make the skin "sticky," causing their gloves to drag.
The Truth: Our Numbing Spray is a clean, liquid formula. It is not sticky.
What is sticky is plasma. When you are mid-session, your skin is "weeping" fluids to try and heal the wound. If the artist sprays over plasma, it creates a tacky film.
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The Fix: The artist must thoroughly clean the area with Green Soap and wipe it bone-dry before spraying.
3. The 10-Minute Wrap Protocol
Most people spray and immediately start tattooing again. This is a mistake. To get the full effect of the lidocaine, you need occlusion (blocking the air).
The Step-by-Step:
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Clean: Wipe down the area with Green Soap. Remove all blood, plasma, and ink.
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Spray: Apply a generous amount of Numbing Spray (2-3 sprays per 6x6" area).
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Wrap: Cover the area with plastic wrap for 10 minutes.Â
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Continue: Remove the wrap and continue session.
This 10-minute "soak" allows the lidocaine to flood the open dermis, giving you or your client the needed comfort to finish the piece.
The Verdict
Don't blame the spray for the "sting." It’s a sign that the medicine is reaching the nerves. By following the 10-minute wrap rule and ensuring a clean, plasma-free surface, you can avoid the "stickiness" and finish your session in comfort.
Going for a long session? Don't go without the Comfort Bundle, which includes both the 120-minute cream and the mid-session spray.
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