Different types of Decal Temporary Tattoos

What we Do at Gumtoo

Let’s break down the different types of temporary tattoos we create at Gumtoo—so you can pick what works best for your audience and purpose. They last 2-6 days depending on the skin type and placement. 

Why choose decal tattoos?

  • Simple water-based application

  • Ideal for all age groups

  • Great for mass giveaways at schools, festivals, or brand pop-ups

  • High-quality print for logos, mascots, and more

1. CMYK (full color)

  1. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black)—the four ink colors used in professional printing. With this process, your tattoo design can include as many colors as you want, including gradients and detailed illustrations.

    Best for: Detailed logos, full-color illustrations, and photo-based designs.

    Features:

    • Unlimited color range

    • Great for detailed and realistic artwork

    • Printed directly onto the tattoo sheet base layer

2. Metallic for shiny, luxury touch. 

Metallic tattoos use foil stamping techniques to add a reflective surface over your design. Available in gold, silver, rose gold, and other metallic hues, these tattoos shimmer in the light, giving them a luxurious look and feel. Unlike CYMK, these are not printed—metallic tattoos rely on bold shapes and solid metallic areas for visual impact. You can also combine metallic with other tattoo styles for added dimension.

Best for: Elegant designs that need a shiny, premium look.

Features:

  • Reflects light, giving it a foil-like effect

  • Usually used for minimal designs or logos

  • Great for making a tattoo stand out on skin

3. UV that glows under UV backlight 

UV tattoos appear invisible or semi-visible under normal lighting, but glow brightly under a blacklight or UV lamp. The ink used is specially formulated to react to ultraviolet light, making it a fun and unexpected surprise.These tattoos are especially popular when you want to create a “reveal” moment or hidden design.

Best for: Hidden designs that glow only under blacklight at parties or music festivals.

Features:

  • Subtle in daylight, glows under UV lighting.

  • Made with skin-safe, UV-reactive ink.

  • Available in multiple glow colors.

4. Glow-in-the-dark: For night events

Glow tattoos work without a UV light. You “charge” them by exposing them to daylight or artificial light, and they emit a soft glow in the dark afterward. These are especially loved by children and work well for nighttime events.

Best for: Fun night-time events where you want designs to glow without a UV light.

Features:

  • Needs light exposure to activate

  • Glows without external equipment

  • Ideal for simple outlines and bolder designs

5. Glitter for events with children. 

Glitter tattoos add sparkle directly on top of the tattoo ink. They're especially eye-catching and instantly playful. Glitter is suspended in a skin-safe adhesive that overlays the printed tattoo, giving it a textured and shiny appearance.

Best for: Kids’ events or playful themes that need sparkle and color.

Features:

  • Adds texture and sparkle

  • Available in a range of glitter colors

  • Fun for kids and craft-based events