Making your tattoo ink may sound like a good idea, but saving money doesn’t come along with endangering your health. More than that, the do-it-yourself might have dangers, and those risks are substantial. Fortunately, there is 1 safety method, using natural and household ingredients to make homemade tattoo ink.
So if some of you are wondering how to make homemade tattoo ink from household items, check this out to know what you should prepare and what you need to be aware of.
Things You Need Before Making Homemade Tattoo Ink
Because ink producers are not currently compelled to reveal ingredient information, conscientious tattoo artists prefer to make their own inks, so they know exactly what is in them. Typical ink formula is similar to what some professionals make for their personal usage.
You can also combine dry ink pigment with medical-grade liquids to create tattoo ink similar to what tattoo artists use in their shops. When mixing tattoo ink, use gloves, and a mask over your mouth and nose for safety. Here is the list of items you need to make your homemade tattoo ink:
- Gloves and a mask
- Pigment powder
- 28 oz. of witch hazel or vodka
- 1 tbsp. of propylene glycol
- 1 tbsp of glycerine (medical grade)
- A spoon
- A container
4 Steps To Make Homemade Tattoo Ink
Step 1: Choose pigment powder
Pigment powder may be purchased from a variety of tattoo supply stores. Decide on the colors you want to use and purchase them from the market or online.
It’s more advisable to get pigment powder from a tattoo supplies shop/ manufacturer since this assures safety. In addition, you don’t want to utilize pigment ink that is used in automobile paint inadvertently.
Step 2: Combine witch hazel, propylene glycol, and medical-grade glycerin in a bowl
Combine witch hazel, propylene glycol, and medical-grade glycerin in a mixing bowl. When using pigment powder, it must be mixed with medical-grade glycerin.
Firstly, to make a liquid base, combine 2 pints (32 ounces) of witch hazel (available at most holistic health stores or online), 2 ¼ teaspoons (0.38 ounces) of medical-grade glycerin, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of propylene glycol.
Then, use the spoon to mix them very well.
Step 3: Combine that mixture with pigment powder
Now add the powder to the liquid base mixture. The amount of pigment powder used depends on how muted or vivid you want the color to be. Put the powder in gradually since you can always add more, but you can never take anything out.
After that, place the ingredients in a blender and blend at a low speed to combine the ink. Pour a bit of extra liquid if the ink appears to be thickening. In contrast, as it becomes thinner, add additional pigment. Blend the ink for about an hour once it has reached the desired consistency by increasing the speed to medium.
Step 4: Store the ink in a sterilized container
When all the above works are done, put it in an airtight and sanitary container. And you should keep the container in a chilly and dark area.
Extra Information About Home Tattooing
Tattooing is pretty common, with one in every four young individuals aged 20 to 29 getting one. To acquire a tattoo, the artist will need a needle with ink that is repeatedly put into the skin. Infections and allergic reactions might occur as a result of getting a tattoo.
Purchasing your tattoo equipment (for example, over the internet) and tattooing oneself or friends is not safe. It’s also not a good idea to get a tattoo done by a friend.
Tattoos must be executed correctly by skilled professional tattoo artists to prevent danger. In addition, appropriate training and equipment are required to guarantee that tattooing techniques and equipment are clean and sterile.
By the way, certain features of tattooing at home may be prohibited. For example, tattooing a person under the age of 18 is illegal in Victoria.
Furthermore, getting a tattoo in another country, particularly in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and South America, may also be dangerous. These nations may not have the same infection prevention and control standards for tattoo establishments. As a result, getting a tattoo done abroad, even in professional tattoo shops, may pose the same hazards as getting one done at home.
FAQs
1. Can you use eyeliner as tattoo ink?
It’s a big no. Some people have utilized eyeliner for their stick and poke tattoos, which we strongly advise against.
According to our observations, employing eyeliner as an ink substitute has a high rejection rate from your skin, resulting in severe scabbing immediately after having your stick and poke tattoo job done.
2. What is a safe alternative to tattoo ink?
Today’s nontoxic tattoo ink carriers include purified water, witch hazel, and Listerine. These are suggested as non-toxic tattoo ink carriers.
3. How do you keep tattoo ink from drying out?
You can always use a multipurpose additive to keep it wet and will not change the color of the ink.
The additive can be found in tattoo shops online or offline. Put a drop or two of this in your ink cap to keep the ink from drying out due to evaporation. Moreover, you can add more drops to your cap to lessen the opacity of the color if you want to.
4. How long does tattoo ink last once opened?
Opened pigment containers have a 12-month shelf life and should be discarded within this time frame after opening.
This is due to the possibility of microbial development in the pigment container after opening, eliminating the possibility of cross-contamination.
Conclusion
After reading this instruction, you should have a basic understanding of making homemade tattoo ink from household items. I hope you find that information valuable and applicable. However, please don’t ever forget the safety caution while making tattoo ink at home; always prepare tools and safety kits before beginning the job.
See Also: Best tattoo ink brands