What is Z Wrap adhesive tattoo bandage? Is it a tattoo film dressing?

  • Zoo Tattoo

SO WHAT IS Z WRAP AND HOW DOES THIS PROTECTIVE TATTOO FILM WORK?

A tattoo involves injecting pigment into the top layer of the skin using very sharp needles; this leads to abrasion (injured tissue) and in response the skin needs to heal. The body’s natural reaction to injured tissue is to bleed and form a scab, which is created by the body to keep germs and bacteria from invading the wound and leading to infection. The body naturally goes through a process of removing dead and dying tissue (autolytic debridement). As a result the body produces fluids and enzymes to break down this dead tissue, which then dries up and evaporates. When a new tattoo wound dries up this can lead to scabs forming and this increases the risk of scarring. Scabs on tattoos cause fading, uneven colours and can even lead to permanent scarring, which is not exactly the desired reward for hours of hard work.

Z Wrap adhesive tattoo bandage is an aftercare solution for the initial healing stage of a tattoo. Z Wrap retains the body’s natural fluids and healing enzymes (autolysins) that help keep the healing tattoo moist and prevent scabbing. Because Z Wrap is breathable you can wear it for up to seven days with at least one changeover. The film allows oxygen to circulate and helps release excess moisture vapour from the wound, so the skin will continue to function normally and heal faster. The film creates an antibacterial barrier that keeps your fresh tattoo safe from infection. No more scabbing, no risk of infection, no rubbing clothes, bed sheets or other external factors that will damage the tattoo. Just beautifully healed tattoos like you intended!

WILL Z WRAP STICK TO THE TATTOO AND AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE TATTOO?

No, the adhesive component of Z Wrap will only stick to the dry skin around the tattoo; it won’t adhere to the weeping area of the tattoo wound. If used as intended, on a tattoo that is moist, it is not possible for the film to stick to the tattoo and pull out ink.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WEAR Z WRAP FOR?

The first piece of Z Wrap can be left on the skin for the first 12 to 24 hours, the exact time will depend on the amount of fluids the wound exudes, which will vary from person to person. In case of excessive bleeding or weeping the film can be replaced with another piece before. In most cases people choose to wear the first piece for 24 hours. When removing the film make sure to carefully wash the area with soap and water, and gently dry the tattoo. Once the skin is completely dry you can apply the second piece of Z Wrap. This second application can be kept on for another 48 hours to five days. The total use of Z Wrap, using both applications is between three and six days.

CAN I USE Z WRAP ON A LARGE SCALE TATTOO LIKE A BACK PIECE OR A FULL SLEEVE?

Certainly! Z Wrap is ideal for big tattoos As you can adapt it to any size by cutting various pieces of the roll to fit the tattoo. The film can be overlapped in areas that are not straight and will perfectly adhere to any part of the body.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER REMOVING THE SECOND APPLICATION OF Z WRAP?

Once you have removed the second application of Z Wrap it’s not necessary to apply any more film to the tattoo. By using Z Wrap you have created a ‘fake scab’ that has allowed the skin to heal from within the deeper layers. The top layer of the skin will start to dry, and in most cases this will look like the tattoo is covered with a whitish cracking thin layer of skin. This top layer of skin will start peeling and flaking. Don’t be alarmed if these flakes contain some ink, this is perfectly normal. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to not scratch, pick or peel the skin as this could cause new wounds and scarring. It will all be done in a few days and the color of your tattoo will start to look as bright as the day you got it.

HOW DO YOU REMOVE Z WRAP?

Follow these steps to remove Z Wrap protective tattoo film:

  1. Lift a corner of the film and stretch horizontally along the skin surface to break the adhesive bond.
  2. Continue stretching the edge of the film towards the center.
  3. When both sides of the film are partially removed, grab both sides at the same time and stretch them horizontally and parallel to the skin until the entire film lifts.
    4. In case the film is particularly resistant, you can use some water to aid breaking the adhesive bond from the skin
SHOULD YOU BE ALARMED AT BLOOD AND FLUIDS COLLECTING UNDER THE FILM?
There is no need to worry, Z Wrap is designed to lock in those fluids produced by the body so that the healing enzymes keep the healing tattoo moist and prevent scabbing. These fluids will sometimes even include some ink colour which is completely normal and doesn’t mean that your tattoo is fading. In some cases the body generates larger quantities of fluids. If you see fluids starting to leak from the film edges, you should remove the film and wash the area with Z Wash and water and let it dry before applying a new wrap. Make sure to leave about 3-5 cm of the film in contact with the dry undamaged skin around the tattoo for best adhesion results.
COULD YOU HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION USING Z WRAP?
Allergic reactions are very rare. Z Wrap is made of a hypoallergenic adhesive film and is latex free. A small number of people with very sensitive skin and are allergic to adhesives (bandages, tapes, etc.), could show a faint redness, which should immediately disappear once the product has been removed and the skin is washed with a mild soap. In the event you experience abnormal skin irritation, a rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction you should discontinue the use of Z Wrap and contact a physician. IMPORTANT: Z Wrap should not be used on infected skin.
CAN YOU BATHE WITH Z WRAP APPLIED?
Yes, you can bathe normally. Z Wrap is waterproof and will stay adhered to the skin even when immersed in water.  However, to avoid the adhesive bond from weakening, prolonged exposure to water should be avoided.
CAN YOU SUNBATHE WITH Z WRAP APPLIED?
We do not recommend exposing your new tattoo to the sun. For tattoos to look vibrant even when fully healed, it is important to use sun protection when being exposed to the sun for a prolonged time. Z Wrap does not offer protection from the sun.
SO YOU GOT A TATTOO A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO AND HAVE BEEN USING OTHER HEALING METHODS. CAN YOU SWITCH TO Z WRAP?
You shouldn't apply Z Wrap once scabbing has formed. The adhesive film adheres to dry skin and you risk the scab sticking to the film when the tattoo is not fresh. This could lead to the scabs being pulled up when you remove the film. You could damage your tattoo as a result so we suggest you use Z Wrap only on fresh tattoos and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful heal every time!

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