Making Tattoo Ink

If you're an experienced tattoo artist, you may want to make your own inks. Be aware that this article is a very general guideline for ink making. Before you try to make your own inks, you must be able to fully sterilize any equipment you might use. It's also a good idea to talk with other tattoo artists as well. They will be able to give you helpful tips and advise you on how to get the most out of your materials.

Things You'll Need

• Pigment powder
• Carrier liquid
• Medical-grade glycerine
• Propylene glycol
• Two Mason jars
• Funnel or turkey baster
• Gloves
• Surgical mask
• Tablespoon
• Blender
• Glass marble or ball bearing
• Empty ink bottles
• Sterilization equipment

Instructions

1. Sterilize your tools. It is extremely important that everything you use has been properly sterilized beforehand.

2. Put on gloves and a surgical mask. Pigment can get into your lungs and cause irritation and infection.

3. Fill a Mason jar 7/8 of the way with your carrier liquid of choice. Put in one tablespoon of propylene glycol and one tablespoon of medical-grade glycerine. Mix with the tablespoon until the mixture is completely clear.

4. Add 1 to 2 inches of pigment powder to another Mason jar. You're going to use a blender with this jar, so be sure that your jar fits onto the blender base beforehand.

5. Pour some of the liquid mix into the pigment, stirring. Keep pouring until the pigment and liquid mix turns into one thick liquid. Stir thoroughly to eliminate any clumps.

6. Blend the mix. Clean off the top of the mason jar. Put the rubber Mason jar gasket onto the base of the blender (this prevents leakage). Turn the blender base upside down and screw it onto your Mason jar. Now flip the blender base right side up, attach it to the blender base and you're ready to blend. (See resources for pictures of the process).

7. Blend on a slow setting for 15 minutes, then on a medium setting for an hour. Stop the blender and unseal the base every 15 minutes to make sure that the jar doesn't overheat.

8. Pour your new ink into ink bottles. You can use a turkey baster or funnel to do this. Add a sterilized glass marble or ball bearing to the mix to prevent clumping.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use several types of carrier liquid to make tattoo ink. 100-proof vodka is one common liquid, as are Listerine and witch hazel. Everclear can also be used. Write down the amounts of materials you use as you mix your ink. That way, you can recreate a successful ink later on.

• If you're not sure whether you've fully sterilized your tools or don't have the equipment to properly sterilize them, don't make your own ink. You are putting yourself and others at high risk of infection. Buy your pigment from a tattoo supply house. Don't try to make your own pigment.

Resources

• Simply Recipes (Tip: Blender and Mason Jar)