Designs can take a couple of minutes for a simple motif to many hours for intricate bridal Mehndi. After the paste dries, we apply a sweet smelling lemon sugar seal or a paper tape bandage to secure the design. The paste is left on for 4 to 8 hours or overnight for best results. It is then scraped (not washed) off. Avoid exposure to water for 12 hours after removing the paste. At first you will have a light orange stain that will darken over the next 24-48 hours.