Tattoo Ink

For centuries, our ancestors have practiced tattooing as part of art, tradition, and culture. Tattoo artists for generations have used different tattoo inks to create a masterpiece on each of their customer’s skin. There are different varieties of tattoo inks depending on how they are made and the contents of each bottle. Finding the right tattoo ink for your work of art is essential to make that flawless lasting mark.

If you are looking for the perfect tattoo ink and other tattooing products that suit you, Ultimate Tattoo Supply can provide all of your tattooing needs. We can help you find the right tattoo ink for your tattooing project. You can ask us questions about tattoo inks and we will gladly answer them.

History of Tattoo Inks

Our ancestors have used minerals and geological resources to make tattoo inks. To produce shades of yellow, orange, and red tattoo inks, cadmium compounds were used. There is even an ancient Roman recipe made by the Roman physician Aetius which involves a pine bark, bronze, vinegar, insect egg deposits, and vitriol.

The Safer Tattoo Ink

The use of heavy metals in tattoo inks is discouraged by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. Some of the harmful tattoo inks may contain mercury lead, nickel, aluminum, titanium and other chemicals which may cause allergic reactions, skin infection, and more.

Dangerous materials have been used to make tattoo inks for years. Modern tattooing now has more options such as organic tattoo inks. You can choose to have ink tattoos using tattoo inks with vegan ingredients.

How to Choose the Best Tattoo Ink for Your Tattooing Needs

Choosing the most suitable tattoo inks for your craft has to be precise. You would not want your clients to have skin problems after your tattooing session. To be safe and sure of your output, here are factors to consider in choosing tattoo inks:

• Ingredients

Tattoo inks generally use water-based or alcohol-based carriers which may include glycerin, methanol, and ethanol. Carriers in the tattoo inks are used to transfer the pigments (coloring) to the skin. Pigments in tattoo inks can sometimes have heavy metals and oxides that can harm the tattooed skin.

• Color Variety

If you have just started your first tattooing project, you may choose a tattoo ink brand with fewer colors. Another factor for tattoo ink colors is the skin tone of your client. Choose a variety of tattoo ink colors that will suit the skin color of your client.

• Tattoo Design and Ink Brands

Each brand of ink has a number of colors. If your ink tattoo design only needs a few colors, then you can have more brands to choose from. However, if your tattooing design entails a lot of colored details, you will have fewer brands to choose from since some tattoo inks have limited colors.

• Manufacturer’s Credibility

It is important to research about the manufacturers of tattoo inks. There are tattoo inks that may be contaminated by bacteria. That is why it is important to check the ingredients and learn how the tattoo inks were made.

Additionally, the colors of some ink tattoos do not last for a year. That is why buying a tattoo ink from a reputable company is better. Find a tattoo ink manufacturer that is credible and offers safe and quality tattoo inks.

• Vegan-Friendly

There are some tattoo inks that may contain bones or other animal ingredients. To be safe, look for vegan tattoo inks. This ensures that the tattoo inks do not contain animal ingredients, and that animal cruelty was not practiced in the production of the tattoo inks (no animal tests, etc.).

• Country of Origin

To ensure that the tattoo inks adhered to U.S. and E.U. regulations, check where the tattoo inks were manufactured. This means that the tattoo inks were manufactured according to the protocol of each place. These inks may be less risky to use than other brands.

How to Take Care of a New Ink Tattoo

After a tattooing session, your clients must be able to take care of their ink tattoos. The bandage should be removed three to four hours after the tattooing session. Your client should only wash the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap. You should also give your clients ointment for the healing process. Washing two to three times each day can also be advised. When the tattoo is healed, suggest a good water-based moisturizer.

What Are the Things to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo?

There are things your clients should avoid when they just had a tattoo. Here are some things they should avoid:

• Picking on their scabs might ruin the color of their ink tattoos. Scabs will fall on its own in a couple of days.
• Wearing tight clothing or covering the area might irritate it, so it is also advisable to avoid such.
• Though moisturizing is recommended, over-moisturizing can damage their tattoos so better not overdo it.
• Shaving the tattooed area is also not a good idea. The razor might scrap the tattoo.

How to Prevent Ink Tattoos from Fading

Now that you know you have the right tattoo ink for your tattooing assignment, you now have to remind your clients on how to keep their ink tattoos from fading. In a few years, ink tattoos may fade if they are not taken care of properly. Here are some tips your clients should follow to keep their ink tattoos from fading:

• Use a Moisturizer

After the ink tattoo heals, your client must avoid using petroleum-based products to moisturize the ink tattoo. You should advise him or her to use water-based lotions for his or her ink tattoo. The petroleum can penetrate the ink tattoo and cause it to fade.

• Avoid Sun Exposure

The sun is the mortal enemy of ink tattoos. Tell your client not to expose the ink tattoo to too much heat or sun rays. Ultraviolet light from the sun can cause ink tattoos to fade. 

• Apply Sunscreen

A water-resistant sunscreen can help protect your clients’ ink tattoos from fading. They should apply sunscreen before leaving the house, and reapply it every two hours. A sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is the ideal choice.

• Avoid Tanning Salons

Tanning beds can damage ink tattoos. This can also lead to skin cancer. When ink tattoos are placed under UV light, the skin may feel pain or get irritated, so it is better for your clients to avoid tanning.

• Increase Water Intake

Recommending proper hydration is also a good idea for ink tattoos to look perfect on the skin. Drinking water, not only prevents your clients from dehydration but also, helps hydrates the skin where ink tattoos are placed.

Getting an Ink Tattoo Touch-Up or Ink Tattoo

After about 10 to 20 years, your clients’ bodies including their skin will change. Their ink tattoo’s colors will fade and the shape may start to look different. Your customers can either have their ink tattoo redone or have a new tattoo inked over the old one. If they choose a touch-up, fresh tattoo ink will be embedded on their tattooed skin. Their ink tattoo will have its luster back.

Get Your Tattoo Inks From the Ultimate Team

Ultimate Tattoo Supply has been in the tattoo industry for 50 years. Our company has over 3,000 tattooing products from tattoo inks to machines used for tattooing. We offer the best and most trusted tattooing products at the lowest prices.

Ultimate Tattoo Supply also offers free shipping. For Alliance members, we give discounts for different tattooing products. We also have reward programs for our loyal customers. Our team also has live-chat assistance for any of your inquiries online. We aim to be the ultimate shop by giving you the best products and services. For more information on tattoo inks and other tattooing products,contact us today!