Homemade Tattoo Ink

Homemade tattoo ink is an inferior substitute to professionally manufactured dyes, but that doesn't stop many at-home tattoo enthusiasts from concocting their own formulas from soot and ashes.

If you're ready to dabble in the world of body art, chances are you've begun researching tattoo supplies and equipment, including tattoo guns and ink. Tattoo machines are the largest investment for an aspiring tattooist, and most starter kits include a decent supply of professional ink for high quality tattooing results. If you bundle your start-up supplies to reap the savings, you can test out the small supply of ink and decide whether or not the quality and performance is up to par. Just like any other trade professional, tattoo artists favor different brands and equipment based on their own preferences and experiences, including their tattoo ink.

Since there is certainly no lack of professionally prepared tattoo ink readily available on the consumer and wholesale market, it's quite a wonder that anyone would consider concocting homemade tattoo ink recipes. Some hobbyists may decide to create their own ink out of sheer curiosity, while others have no other choice due to lack of availability. This is usually the case with prison inmates who often create their own tattoo inks and design their own tattoo machines out of absolute necessity.

Mixing a homemade tattoo ink poses many health risks. The chemical process that creates the ink must be performed flawlessly to concoct a sterile ink batch. In addition, most at-home mixers simply forget (or are not informed) of the importance of adding an antibacterial agent into the chemical process. An added antibacterial agent is necessary to decrease the risk of blood poisoning and skin infection. Without a sterile batch of ink and a sterile tattoo gun, the many health risks associated with homemade ink may include death.

Homemade ink may lack vibrancy!

Here is an example of how homemade black ink is often created in prison. Remember, prisoners create and use their ink without regard for their personal health. This recipe is provided for informational purposes, and you should stick with a professional ink for your own tattooing needs.

Supplies:

• Plastic razor
• Mirror
• Razor Blade
• Shampoo
• Bottle cap
• Lighter
• Toothpick
• Water
• Ethyl alcohol

Steps:

• Burn the plastic razor with a lighter
• Place a mirror about 5 inches away from the razor
• When the razor begins to smoke, quickly catch the remaining soot particles onto the mirror
• When the mirror turns black, scrape the mirror with the razor blade and gather them into the bottle cap
• Add a drop of water into the bottle cap
• Mix water and ashes with the toothpick
• Add a couple drops of shampoo and a drop of ethyl alcohol to thicken the formula and disinfect; mix thoroughly

Any leftover ink should be promptly discarded after use.

Professional artists use quality ink!

While tattoo shops are regulated by each individual state's Department of Health, tattoo inks (including professionally manufactured varieties) have yet to be approved or regulated by the FDA. If you go the route of creating your own ink, make sure you follow the basic precautions to ensure your health and safety prior to submersing the ink into your skin.

Keep in mind that homemade ink often lacks vivid pigments, resulting in a washed out, embarrassing and faded design that may call for professional touch-up or removal. The extra dollars spent on a professional ink will ensure your safety while creating quality results and a tattoo you can be proud of!

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