I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo. I have a clear idea of what I want, where I want it, and how I want it. However, I’m often held back by the potential pain I might experience getting it. I have a low tolerance for pain, and the thought of being pricked on my skin for an extended period doesn’t appeal to me at all. So, it’s no surprise that a device like Prinker caught my attention. I had the chance to try it out recently during CES 2025.
Did you say Prinker? Yes, Prinker. This intriguing device functions as a cosmetic ink printer. The concept is straightforward. Instead of using a sterilized needle to inject ink into the dermis multiple times per second, this machine prints cosmetic ink on the skin’s surface. The result looks great, there’s minimal risk of error, and, of course, it’s temporary.
How does it work? The printer, which can print in black or color, uses cartridges filled with special inks that have been dermatologically tested and comply with EC Directive 1223/2009 (regulation of cosmetic products, PDF available here). You can select the tattoo design using a mobile app connected via Bluetooth. According to the company, you can use virtually any image. However, there are limitations. The tattoo can be a maximum of 1 inch in width and up to 4 inches in length.
Putting it to the test. The first step in “printing” the tattoo is to apply a transparent skin primer to ensure the ink adheres properly. This primer is crucial because it allows the tattoo to last for up to three days. After about 10 seconds, once you have chosen your design on the mobile app, you simply swipe the printer over your skin. I initially thought the brand’s representative at CES would press the device against my arm. However, it turns out the swiping motion is very light and quick, allowing the tattoo to be printed in just a second.
For my tattoo, I chose to print some black planets and a pixelated heart in color. The result is quite pleasing. While it may not have the vividness of a freshly done tattoo, it resembles an older tattoo. At first glance, it looks pretty good, but upon closer inspection, you can tell it’s fake.
Tattoo aftercare. If you have a tattoo, you know that the first few days require careful attention. You need to clean it with mild soap and warm water, keep the area moisturized, avoid excessive sweating, and protect it from sun exposure. It’s quite the ritual.
However, my experience with Prinker tattoos was different. After “inking” the tattoo, all I had to do was leave it exposed to the air for 10 seconds to let it dry properly. After that, I could put my sweatshirt on over it, touch it, and even get it slightly wet without causing any noticeable wear. I wore it for a few hours while walking non-stop at CES, where the tattoo brushed against my clothes, and I even sweated a bit. By the time I arrived at the hotel, it looked spotless.
How to remove a Prinker tattoo? All you need is water, hand soap, and a little patience. The tattoo holds up pretty well, but it can be completely or partially removed with soap and a shower. That’s also the downside. Although the tattoo is designed to last up to three days, it’s likely that rinsing it off in the shower will cause some or all of it to come off. The good news? You can simply print it out again!
A premium price. All this is, of course, as long as you can afford it. Prinker is certainly eye-catching, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The printer costs $199, which includes the charger, a bottle of primer, and a black ink cartridge that allows for 500 prints. The color model, which comes with both black and color inks (allowing for 1,000 prints), is priced at $249.
The cartridges are also quite expensive. Black ink costs $99, and color ink costs $129, with both prices including a bottle of skin primer.
While the Prinker is likely out of reach for many individual users, it has strong B2B potential. It can also be purchased for personal use, but it’s much easier to envision its application at large events and festivals, for instance.
Overall, watching it in operation is quite fascinating, and the results are undeniably striking.
Image | Xataka
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