Steps to Take After Today's Session Before Your Next Back-to-Back Tattoo Appointment Tomorrow

It is advisable to keep the plastic cling wrap on a fresh tattoo for no longer than 12 hours. Please note that the first piece of plastic cling wrap may need to be replaced after 3–4 hours. The exact timing will depend on how much fluid the wound exudes, which varies from person to person. We recommend changing the wrap whenever it becomes dirty, too loose, or full of liquid. New York City, 2026

Required Items: 

• Neutral liquid antibacterial soap (fragrance-free, color-free)

• Plastic cling wrap

• Absorbent pads or paper towels

• Micropore paper tape

  
  

Remove the plastic cling wrap before bed.

To protect your tattoo from sheets, bacteria, and pet hair, please follow these steps:

• Wash your hands.

• Plastic cling wrap can be difficult to remove. It’s best to remove it in the shower, letting water run over the area first so the wrap becomes more pliable and comes off easily.

• Wash the tattoo with fragrance-free body wash and water, then let it air dry or use only single-use towels.

• Wrap the tattooed area with plastic cling wrap until the next day.

Repeat this routine after waking up and again before your session: clean, apply (as instructed), and wrap.

What to Avoid

• Processed Foods:

Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive alcohol during the healing period. These may slow the body’s recovery process.

• Sun Exposure

Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least one month.

UV exposure can damage fresh tattoos and reduce contrast.

• Swimming

Avoid pools, oceans, lakes, saunas, and jacuzzis during healing. These environments increase the risk of irritation and infection.

• Exercise

Avoid intense exercise for at least five days to prevent excessive friction, sweat, and contamination.

If possible, train before your tattoo appointment to allow a 48-hour recovery period afterward.

• Tanning Beds

Avoid tanning beds while the tattoo is healing. UV exposure can damage the skin and affect the final result.

APZ is an Architectural Classic Realism tattoo artist based between New York City and Copenhagen. Inspired by Renaissance art, mythology, religion, and historical symbolism, from Christian and Catholic iconography to Buddhism, Islam, ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman traditions, as well as astrology and zodiac themes, his work translates personal stories into interconnected tattoos designed with architectural structure and long-term cohesion. Explore tattoo designs and ideas at ApzTattoo.com/designs. APZ also tattoos periodically in Dubai, UAE and Tampa, Florida.