How to Make Effective Tattoo Ink

Tattoo artists mostly purchase their ink from a tattoo-ink manufacturer; however, some artists like to put a more personal touch on their work by mixing their own. Making effective tattoo ink can truly set you apart from other tattoo artists, but it is imperative that you make ink that is both safe and lasting. Follow these steps in order to create unique tattoo ink that will truly stand out.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Several dry pigment colors
• 100-proof vodka, witch hazel or Listerine
• Medical-grade glycerin
• Propylene glycol
• Sterilized blender
• Sterilized jar that fits on a blender
• Sterilized baster or sterilized funnel
• Sterile bottles for ink mixtures
• Glass or marble bead
• White ink
• Black ink

How to Make Effective Tattoo Ink

1. Mix your liquids. Take 7/8 of a quart of 100-proof vodka (witch hazel or Listerine can be substituted for this), 1 tablespoon of glycerin and 1 tablespoon of glycol and mix until contents are clear.

2. Add in pigment to create color. In a sterilized blender, take an inch or two of powdered pigment and add enough of the liquid from step one to create a thin mixture, commonly known as a slurry solution. When using dry pigment, be sure you get it from a reliable tattoo ink distributor.

3. Once you have the consistency you are aiming for, blend your mixture on a low setting for about 15 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, turn your blender to a higher speed (about medium) and blend for another hour. Oftentimes ink makers will use jars that can fit on blenders in order to keep the ink more contained. If this is the method you are using, loosen the jar top periodically throughout the blending process (about every 15 minutes) in order to relieve any pressure build-up.

4. If you are looking to make an array of ink colors, you can modify your inks by adding either black or white ink to make your color lighter or darker. This will allow you to get a larger variety of ink colors.

5. Transfer ink to bottles. Utilize a sterilized baster or funnel to transfer the ink from the blender or jar into smaller ink bottles. It is often recommended to place a sterile marble or glass bead into each of the ink bottles; this will aid in mixing.

6. Store your ink properly. Once you’ve finished making your ink, store the bottles away from sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Ultraviolet rays can alter the pigment of your ink.

7. It is important that tattoo ink makers keep their ink-making area, as well as their finished ink, completely germ-free. The alcohol used in the mixture works to sanitize the dry pigment, but using sanitary appliances and utensils will help to keep the ink free from germs. Remember that this ink will eventually enter someone’s body, so it is highly important that it is not contaminated.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is strictly general information on making effective tattoo ink and the writer holds no responsibility for the outcome of this specific recipe. It is important that only those with a basic knowledge of chemistry and the ink making process attempt to make their own tattoo ink.