Homemade Tattoo Ink Recipe

It seems like a lot of people are looking for a homemade tattoo ink recipe these days, but saving money isn't worth risking your health. While the following article offers recipe ideas, it's always better to get tattooed by a qualified professional who practices aseptic techniques to reduce the chance of infection. If you insist on making your own inks, do so at your own risk.

Tattoos are nothing new, and many ancient cultures created their own pigment inks from natural materials. One of the simplest recipes involved using the ashes of completely burned wood mixed with water to create black ink. Although you can use the black carbon ashes from wood, it's better to use something other than water as your diluent. Some do-it-yourself ink makers recommend substituting vodka instead of water because it is clear and antiseptic.

You'll also read about people making ink using cigarette ashes, but don't be tempted to follow this route. Cigarettes contain a number of harmful chemicals you really shouldn't put into your system.

To create a black ink, mix the following in a sterile blender:

• 1 cup of black carbon ashes
• Just enough vodka to create a slurry that is the consistency of commercial tattoo ink.

Blend the mixture at medium speed for about one full hour. If the mix seems too thick, add a little more vodka. If it's too watery, add a little more ash and blend again. Use immediately and store any leftover ink tightly covered away from sunlight. In most cases, it's best to mix fresh ink each time you want to tattoo.

Many tattoo artists prefer to mix their own inks so they know exactly what is in them because ink manufacturers are not currently required to disclose ingredient information. The following recipe is closer to, but perhaps not exactly the same as, what some pros make for their own use.

Begin by purchasing dry pigment from a reliable tattoo supply company. This is the surest way to avoid using toxic substances to create your colors. Also make sure that all your utensils are sterile before you begin mixing your ink. Also be sure to wear a sterile mask and gloves to preserve the sterile environment. If the pigment doesn't come with its own recipe, try the following:

Stir together:

• 2 pints of witch hazel
• 2 1/4 teaspoons propylene glycol
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of medical grade glycerine

Add about one cup of pigment powder to a blender, and slowly add enough liquid to create a slurry.

Mix on low for ten to twenty minutes, and then check the consistency of the mix. If it's too thick, you can add a little more liquid. If it seems too thin or the color looks too washed out, you can add a pinch of pigment powder at a time to adjust. Keep in mind that this is a trial and error process, and you'll need to adjust until you reach the consistency you prefer to work with.

Once you've adjusted the mix as desired, continue to blend at medium speed for one hour. Pour the finished ink into a sterile container, put a secure lid on it and store it out of direct sunlight.

Although some people prefer to make their own ink from a homemade tattoo ink recipe, it's better to protect your health by visiting a tattoo professional who has spent time testing various inks and is sure of the quality and safety of those products.

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