Homemade Solution to Transfer Ink - Temporary Tattoos

Here's a quick chemistry project for you. Mix up some of this ink transfer solution, brush it onto a comic or glossy magazine picture, and press paper or a t-shirt onto the picture to transfer the image. Rub the back of the paper or cloth with a spoon or coin to evenly transfer the image. The image usually can be transferred more than once and may be sealed using a craft fixative. I'm guessing this technique will also work for making your own temporary tattoos.

Ink Transfer Solution Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water
• 2 tablespoons (10 ml) powdered soap or soap shavings (not detergent)
• 1 tablespoon (5 ml) turpentine

Prepare the Ink Transfer Solution

Dissolve the soap in hot water. Add the turpentine. The mixture may be stored in a small screw top jar.