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How To Make Homemade Colored Tattoo Ink?

How To Make Homemade Colored Tattoo Ink

Instructions –

  1. Place the ashes in a sterile blender.
  2. Add vodka slowly until the slurry is the consistency of commercial tattoo ink.
  3. Blend the mixture at medium speed for one hour. If the mixture is too thick, add more vodka. If it is too watery, add a little additional ash.
  4. Use immediately.

What can I use instead of tattoo ink?

How is colored tattoo ink made?

What Ingredients are in Tattoo Ink? – How are tattoo inks made? Tattoo inks are solutions comprised of a carrier and a colorant. Carriers are fluids, containing liquids such as glycerin, water, isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel, that are used to transport the colorant to the injection site. How To Make Homemade Colored Tattoo Ink Colorants are typically intensely colored compounds that can reflect light in the visible region of the light spectrum. These pigments were  historically derived from mineral or geological sources. Certain hues and colors could be produced from carbon, iron oxide, and cadmium. Another compound, titanium dioxide, is the second-most-common ingredient in tattoo inks and has been found to degrade into toxic impurities.

Other carrier ingredients may contain dangerous substances like antifreeze, formaldehyde, methanol, and other aldehydes. However, this inorganic chemical, like many others, is found in sunscreen, food additives, and many other products we frequently come in contact with.

There are  more than 200 colorants and additives used to produce tattoo inks. Most standard tattoo ink colors are derived from heavy metals, including antimony, beryllium, lead, cobalt-nickel, chromium, and arsenic. Other additives include surfactants, binding agents, fillers, and preservatives.

Can you mix tattoo ink to make different colors?

Tattoo ink can be mixed by putting two colors together to make a different blend color. The basic principles of mixing paint colors come into play here. For example, red and yellow make an orange color. The more red added will give it a more reddish tint, more yellow will give more yellow tint.

Can you make a tattoo with pen ink?

Final Thoughts – As you may have noticed, we seriously advise people not to do any DIY, homemade tattoo, especially the stick-and-poke kind with pen ink. This can be seriously dangerous and can put your health at risk. It is always better to go get professionally tattooed than to risk skin and tattoo infection. What we’re trying to say is that DIY tattoos aren’t simply worth it! Also Read:

  • 5 Best Stick-and-Poke Tattoo Kits (2022 Updated)
  • 6 Stick and Poke Ink Alternatives (And Why You Shouldn’t use Them)

How do you make tattoo ink at home?

Can I tattoo with eyeliner ink?

Download Article Download Article If you’re not ready for the life-long commitment of a real tattoo, or if you’re too young to start inking your skin, you can still get creative with body art! A temporary tattoo is also a great way to see how much you’ll like a design you might be thinking of getting. With just a little inspiration and some basic makeup products, you can make your own authentic looking temporary tattoo for whatever purpose you desire.

  1. 1 Find your design. The internet is an endless resource for tattoo ideas. If you don’t want to draw your own design, you can search “tattoo stencils,” “tattoo ideas,” or “flash art” to find plenty of images you can use for inspiration or to copy for your temporary tattoo.
    • Search for your favorite cartoon characters, symbols, phrases, foods, and more. Any of these can become a cool new temporary tattoo!
    • Embroidery patterns are perfect models for your temporary tattoo. These designs are often simple, cute, and usually on the smaller side, which will transfer more easily to your body.
    • Try to avoid designs that are overly complex or detailed. Simple designs with bold lines generally translate well into tattoos. Designs with shading or intricate lines can be difficult to transfer. [1]
  2. 2 Determine the placement of your tattoo. If you are drawing the tattoo on yourself, make sure you choose a part of body you can easily reach. However, you could always ask an artistic friend to “ink” you, which will give you more flexibility when it comes to placement. You might want to avoid tattoos that require in you to be in weird or uncomfortable positions. If you start shaking while the ink is being applied, the design could be ruined!
    • Places on your body where clothing rubs can decrease the time your temporary tattoo lasts. The friction caused by your clothing rubbing against the tattoo will wear away the tattoo over time. Your forearm or calf are good options to consider for tattoo placement.
    • Keep in mind that skin that is constantly moving and stretching, and in some places your skin moves more than others, like on the back of the hand. This can cause your tattoo to fade or crack very quickly.

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  3. 3 Choose an eyeliner for inking. Liquid eyeliner will give you the boldest lines and will have the most realistic look. An eyeliner pencil can also work, especially for freehand drawn temporary tattoos, though these may appear more like a crayon drawn on your skin. You should consider using liquid liners with felt-tipped applicators for outlining, then you can use pencils for shading.
    • Waterproof eyeliner is probably the best option for your temporary tattoo. This kind of ink will last longer and is less prone to smudging if you sweat or it gets wet.
    • When using pencils, you can vary the pressure you use to create shading on your skin. After you apply your liquid liner outline, you can use these to give your temporary tattoo a unique character. [2] [3]

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  1. 1 Print or draw your design on a piece of paper. This will be the template for your tattoo. Make sure the image is clear so you can trace it easily. It should be the exact size you desire it to be on your skin. If the image you choose isn’t symmetrical, you’ll have to print or draw it mirrored so it transfers to your skin properly.
    • If you find drawing the mirror image of your design too difficult freehand, you can use a computer to reverse the image. Copy your tattoo design into an image editing program, like Adobe Photoshop or MS Paint, and flip it along its vertical axis.
    • If you are more artistically inclined, or have a friend willing to help you who is, you could also draw the outline of your tattoo directly on your skin in waterproof liquid eyeliner or with a eyeliner pencil with a fine point. If you plan on inking yourself in this way, once the outline is finished, you can move on to adding color or shading to your design. [4]
  2. 2 Trace the outline of your design. To ensure that your traced lines match up with your template, you might want to tape your template design to your tracing paper. This way if you are jostled or the paper sticks to your hand, the template and tracing paper will stay lined up. Wax paper or parchment paper work well as transfer paper. [5]
    • Make the outline of your image dark and thick. This will make it easier for you to follow the outline with your eyeliner, which you then transfer to your skin.
  3. 3 Cut your outline into a manageable piece of paper. It might be difficult to transfer your image if your sheet of wax/parchment paper is too large. Trim down your paper with a pair of scissors so that only the design and a small margin of wax/parchment paper around the outline remain.
    • At this point, you might want to check and see how your design will look on the part of your body part you plan to apply your tattoo. Drape your wax/parchment paper outline side down on that body part. You should be able to see through the paper to preview how it will look. [6]
  4. 4 Apply liquid eyeliner to the outline. You’ll have to do this quickly, as the eyeliner dries rapidly. Follow the marker outline of your design with a generous application of liquid eyeliner until you have completely traced it with liquid eye liner. [7]
    • An eyeliner pencil can also be used to transfer your outline to your skin. Be sure you apply a heavy layer of pencil liner when re-tracing your wax paper outline. The heavier your layer of pencil liner, the better the transfer will be.
  5. 5 Transfer the outline of your design to your skin. Lay the still wet liquid eyeliner (or heavily drawn pencil liner) on the part of your body you plan to tattoo. Press it into place on your skin, then take a washcloth or rag dampened with warm water and press it firmly to the back of your wax/parchment paper for at least 10 seconds.
    • When you peel the wax/parchment paper free, the outline of your design should be applied to your skin. Allow your skin to air dry. [8]
  6. 6 Darken your outline with black eyeliner. Waterproof liquid eyeliner is best for outlining. This will create a long lasting, realistic looking, smudge resistant design. Work with care, but don’t worry if you make a mistake. Any errors can be fixed.
    • If you don’t have liquid eyeliner, make sure your eyeliner pencil is very sharp so you can get clean, smudge-free lines.
    • If you want to draw thin or fine lines or details, a toothpick can work well as a fine-point applicator. Dip the end of a toothpick into your liquid liner and carefully use it to add details to your temporary tattoo.
    • If you make a mistake, dip a cotton swab in makeup remover. You’ll have to use an oil-based makeup remover for waterproof liners. Squeeze out excess liquid from the swab and then use it to wipe away any mistakes. Allow the area to dry again, then re-draw over the mistake if necessary. [9]
  7. 7 Add color or shading once the outline is dry. You can use colored eyeliner to add a pop of color to your tattoo or a blunt eyeliner pencil for shading. You can the shaded effect by blending it with a small, stiff makeup brush.
    • If you want an authentic looking solid black tattoo that lasts a long time and doesn’t smudge, use waterproof liquid liner to fill in your stencil. It will be very dark and striking.
    • If you want to add color, try a colored eyeliner or even eyeshadow. Anything with sparkles won’t look very natural, but it can glam-up your tattoo.
  8. 8 Dust the dried tattoo with translucent powder. This will set the ink on your skin and give it extra protection from smudging throughout the day. If you don’t have translucent makeup powder, you can use a talcum powder or baby powder. [10]
  9. 9 Defend your tattoo with an application of hairspray or liquid bandage. This will keep moisture from deteriorating your tattoo and further prevent any smudging that might occur. Aerosol sprays are the easiest to apply, but if you only have the liquid bandage that brushes on, you can use that as well. [11]
    • Your protective layer can sometimes leave your temporary tattoo looking shiny. If this is the case for you, return it to a more natural appearance by dusting the area with another layer of translucent makeup powder, talcum powder, or baby powder. [12]
    • Try to avoid exercising, swimming, or sweating too much. Your tattoo probably won’t last longer than a day, but avoiding these activities will keep it looking its best for as long as possible.

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  1. 1 Use makeup remover to remove the eyeliner from your skin. For some eyeliners, soap and water may wash off your design. Others will be more resistant, or leave behind faint traces. Waterproof eyeliner, especially, will likely need a special oil-based makeup remover to be removed cleanly. [13]
    • If you don’t have makeup remover, you can try using other common household products. Some effective options include olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly.
    • When wiping your temporary tattoo off, use paper towel, tissue, or a disposable cotton pad. Otherwise you might end up staining your towels or washcloths.
  2. 2 Rinse and hydrate the area after removal. There may be some makeup residue even after you apply your removing agent. If this does not wash away easily, you may need to apply more remover to your tattoo. After you rinse, apply some moisturizer to your skin. [14]
    • The ingredients used in makeup can be harsh on your skin, especially if left on your skin for long periods of time. Replenish your skin by using a moisturizer after rinsing.
  3. 3 Remove your tattoo before going to sleep. Leaving your makeup on overnight can cause irritation or damage to your skin. [15] Additionally, over the course of the night your temporary tattoo might rub off on and stain your sheets.

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Add New Question

  • Question How long does the temporary tattoo last? The amount of time your temporary tattoo lasts will depend on the kind of eyeliner you use, the part of the body you’ve applied it to, and environmental factors, like humidity, sweat, and friction. High quality eyeliners can last up to 24 hours in moisture rich environments. If kept dry and away from friction (like the rubbing of clothes), your tattoo could last several days.
  • Question What can be used than hairspray and liquid bandage? Lotion will help to preserve it longer.
  • Question Do I have to use the spray? The spray helps it stay and last longer without smearing, so it is a good idea to spray it.
  • Question Does the place where the tattoo is kept after removed get black? If you remove the tattoo properly, it shouldn’t. If it does, use and oil-based eye makeup remover.
  • Question Is there anyway to keep it overnight without damaging my skin? If you have sensitive skin, use a natural eyeliner instead of a chemical one. The tattoo should last a couple of days without your skin suffering. You can also get hairspray for sensitive skin (to hold the tattoo in place). Use a waterproof bandaid to protect the tattoo while showering.
  • Question Which eyeliner is best for a temporary tattoo? Any brand should work fine, but try to find a waterproof eyeliner.
  • Question Will other people notice it’s a fake tattoo? It depends on how well you make it and how closely people examine it. If someone calls you on it being fake, just say that you were thinking about getting one and wanted to see how it would look first.
  • Question Is there a baby powder substitute? You could try a translucent powder or a very fine powder like flour, but it has to be very thin and preferably white or translucent.
  • Question I did this with a pen in place of eyeliner. Would it wash off the same? Pen will probably be more difficult to scrub off, but should come off with soap and water.
  • Question Can I not use powder but use hairspray/waterproof band-aid instead? Or will that make it smudge? Marwa Shaban Ali Community Answer Yes, hairspray will work if you don’t have powder. And don’t forget to remove the tattoo before sleeping, if you forget then it can cause damage to your skin.

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Why are Colour tattoos being banned?

In the 1980s there were, at most, twelve basic colours for tattoo artists to combine and dilute. Black was the dominant pigment with colours added sparingly So. are we reliving the 80’s? Are colour tattoos a thing of the past? You may have seen online that coloured inks are being banned in the EU. How To Make Homemade Colored Tattoo InkWhy are coloured tattoo inks being banned? The reason for the ban comes down to the chemicals found in the coloured ink used for tattoos. REACH had 4,000 chemicals typically used in colourful tattoo ink prohibited in January 2020 in the EU. S ome of which are already banned in products applied on top of the skin – can cause ‘cancer or genetic mutations’. However there is no concrete evidence between tattoos and cancer or genetic mutations.

  • This is not new news REACH (EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) began their findings in 2016 and have carefully evaluated their analysis;
  • Get ready to dive into the behind the scenes of your colour tattoos;

REACH have made an effort to clarify that ‘the aim is not to ban tattooing but to make the colours used in tattoos and permanent make-up safer’. Which we can all agree it is always better to be safer. Ink suppliers have been given until 4th January 2023 to find different, REACH-approved chemicals to create the same colours. What is in tattoo inks?

  • alcohols
  • barium
  • cadmium
  • copper
  • lead
  • mercury
  • minerals
  • nickel
  • plastics
  • vegetable dyes

Overall, tattoo ink is safer than in previous decades. Yet it’s still important to ask your tattoo artist what types of inks they use, what the ingredients are, and where they come from. All reputable studios will have this information. Will coloured inks be banned in the UK? The UK is not immediately following the EU’s lead on the ban.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is encouraging tattoo manufacturers and artists to submit information about tattooing safety, and the ingredients found in tattoo ink. UK lawmakers want to know more about the subject before deciding on whether they, too, will outlaw certain chemicals found in inks.

Signs of ink poisoning? With tattoo ink, the symptoms are sometimes harder to identify. Poisoning from tattoo ink is often mistaken for an infection, with symptoms like pain, swelling or a rash. What to do if your tattoo is making you ill If you suspect that tattoo ink has poisoned your body, you should immediately call your doctor.

Also inform your tattoo artist and studio, who can identify the ink they used and avoid using it again. Taking note of the brand name, colour, and any lot number can help determine the source of the problem.

In most cases, poisoning will present itself as a minor inflammation and can be treated with rest, ice and elevation. Over the counter anti-inflammatories will help in the first 24 hours after getting a new tattoo. If you have suffered an allergic reaction, antihistamines will help reduce those small red bumps or rash around the tattoo. What are we at Cold Iron Tattoo Company currently doing? In the studio we use Eternal inks brand for our coloured ink

  • Eternal Ink is organic
  • Eternal Ink is free of animal by-products and is vegan.
  • Eternal Ink is not tested on animals.
  • Eternal Ink is supplied in a medical grade sealed bottle, ensuring its longevity before and after opening.
  • Eternal Ink pigments are certified sterile.
  • Eternal Ink cooperates with all regulations.
  • Eternal Ink is made in the U.

We are keeping up to date with what HSE are finding and making sure we take all steps necessary to keep our customers and artists safe. Got a question?  Get in touch: [email protected]. com.

Can I use acrylic paint for tattoos?

Tattoos, tattoos everywhere, but what is in that ink? A conversation on this very topic prompted two NAU undergraduate chemistry majors to begin their own research into the chemical components of tattoo ink. Leslie Wagner, 21, and Haley Finley-Jones, 21, both have tattoos and, noting their increase in popularity, found it interesting that most people are unaware the FDA does not regulate the tattoo process.

“I like working on science that affects all kinds of people and that they can get interested in,” said Finley-Jones. The two students received information from Burly Fish tattoo on which brands of ink are widely used and began their research by collecting 17 different samples of ink to test.

All together they tested five blacks and three different whites, blues, reds and yellows from five manufacturers. Wagner and Finley-Jones ran several tests to determine the composition of the inks and how they vary from color to color and from different manufacturers.

They were also specifically testing for metals and found 14 total, including lead. However, the students made it very clear that their tests were still preliminary and they were not doing toxicology tests.

So while they did determine that lead was present in three to five of the inks, they could not say how much. “We haven’t done enough research yet to jump to any conclusions that the ink is harmful,” said Finley-Jones. However, because tattoo inks have not been approved by the FDA for injection under the skin, there is an inherent risk taken in the process.

According to the Coconino County Health Department, some inks can contain heavy metals such as arsenic, nickel and lead. “No matter what, when you get a tattoo you are putting something relatively toxic into your system,” said Siva, who works at Sacred Fire Tattoos in Sedona and has been a tattoo artist for seven years.

There are two types of ink that can be used for tattoos: organic and acrylic. With safety being his top priority, Siva is careful to explain the advantages and disadvantages of both to all his customers. The difference is that in organic inks, the pigments are suspended in an organic carrier solution and acrylic inks are plastic based.

  1. The acrylic inks will have brighter, bolder colors but negative reactions can be unpredictable;
  2. Organic inks are usually much safer but can appear faded or washed-out;
  3. Siva explained that anyone could have a reaction to either type of ink, but when the element of a plastic resin is added, there is a greater risk;

“Out of a thousand tattoos maybe one or two will have an organic reaction, but with acrylic ink it could be 12 or more,” said Siva. A short-term acrylic reaction can result in excessive swelling, pain, scabbing and prolonged healing. The long-term effect of plastic-based inks is not yet known because they have not been used for very long, though some evidence suggests there could be the possibility for skin mutations, explained Siva.

With the possibility of unknown negative reactions, some people feel the FDA should regulate tattoo inks for the safety of the public. “All tattoo inks are potentially dangerous; regulations would level the playing field because the public would expect a certain quality,” said Siva.

Both Wagner and Finley-Jones wouldn’t hesitate to get more tattoos in the future, but said that regulating the manufacturing of inks could be beneficial. “It couldn’t hurt to know what is in it,” said Wagner. For now, the students hope that NAU and other sources will continue to fund their research.

Wagner will be graduating in May, but Finley-Jones said she will be continuing with a compound analysis next year and wants to study the dry pigments. “There is a lot of interest in the science community, so other people may take it even further,” said Finley-Jones.

To see more of The Arizona Daily Sun, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www. azdailysun. com. Copyright (c) 2005, The Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News..

Is pen ink same as tattoo ink?

Some time ago I was thinking about ink and wondering if it would be possible to use a fountain pen ink for a tattoo, specifically J Herbin’s Stormy Grey which I really loved. A quick check made clear that this was not advisable or even possible and I had to let go of the idea of a sparkling picture embedded in my skin.

So the simple answer is no, you can’t use fountain pen ink for a tattoo. But recently I have been thinking again about ink and what makes one ink work in a pen and another in the body. So, why can’t you use fountain pen ink when having a tattoo done? Fountain pen ink is generally a dye-based ink, where the colourant is fully dissolved in the liquid.

Tattoo ink however is a pigment-based ink where solid particles of colour are suspended in a liquid carrier. Pigment-based inks would be a problem for fountain pens as the particles would clog up the feed, although you can get specially formulated particulate inks such as the Diamine Shimmer range.

Conversely dye-based inks would be a problem for tattoos as they are soluble so they would simply be flushed out. In fact this is how tattoo removal works – a laser is used to break up the pigments into smaller particles which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and flushed out.

So for a tattoo you need an ink with larger particles in it as they will attract the attention of your body’s macrophages, a type of white blood cell. As the needle of the tattoo machine punctures the skin, so the macrophages rush to the wound site and eat the invading particles and these cells essentially keep the ink in your dermis, the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis.

Even if they die, another macrophage will absorb them along with the particles which is why over time, the image will slowly fade and neat lines will eventually blur. Top tip, avoid small fine text and detail, it’s not going to last the course.

As to whether it is dangerous to put fountain pen ink into your body? Well the main concern would be infection as tattoo inks are sterile and formulated to have few allergens, red being the colour that causes the most problems for people due to the presence of mercury sulphide.

  1. But there is surprisingly little regulation around, considering the prevalence of tattoos and the potential need for the NHS to manage any fallout;
  2. Some products have been found to contain the same ingredients as car paint and printer ink so is it the case that pen ink is not necessarily as bad as you might think? The earliest ink was Lamp Black, made with soot which is a form of carbon;

Subsequently Iron Gall was used which mixed iron sulfate and tannic acid and would darken when exposed to light. These inks would block a modern fountain pen unless specially formulated not to do so but even so, they are best washed out if left unused. Polish ink company KWZ make a beautiful range of iron gall inks for fountain pens which will literally darken before your eyes as you write.

  • Tattoo inks can contain metals such as titanium and also carbon, so not that dissimilar to the inks of old;
  • On balance though, best to go for an ink that is designed for the job, pen or skin;
  • Out of interest I decided to check what I have had injected into my dermis and as a strictly black-only devotee it seems I am sporting quite a lot of US brand Dynamic Ink;

The black version of which contains Carbon Black 7, Acrylic Resin and Isopropyl Alcohol. I’m no wiser really..

Why do tattoo artists use distilled water?

The use of non-sterile water in tattooing activities has been associated with a number of water-borne skin infections caused by bacteria such as Legionella, Pseudomonas and Mycobacteria. These infections can result in severe illness and when left untreated, they may be fatal.

What is tattoo ink made of?

Professional inks may be made from iron oxides (rust), metal salts, or plastics. Homemade or traditional tattoo inks may be made from pen ink, soot, dirt, ash, blood, or other ingredients.

Can I tattoo over Sharpie?

We’re here to shed some light on “freehand tattooing. ” In today’s age, tattoos have taken more of an artistic route. Gone are most of the dark and seedy street street shops. We’re seeing true artists master the craft of tattoo. Custom tattooing and freehand work has become the true definition of a “good shop.

” So what exactly is freehand tattooing and how does it happen? We are here to show you the process of drawing on the body and designing custom tattoos. From Sharpies to Skin freehand tattoo creation is an extraordinary art form.

A freehand tattoo is drawn on the client and then tattooed. We sketch directly on the skin with markers instead of transferring a stencil. This technique can help with the natural flow and shape of the body. This is the best way to take on curvy or angled areas.

Also, when a client wants to add to an existing tattoo, the new tattoo can be easily tailored to the empty space. There are many great reasons to draw directly on skin. let’s start with these. You get an absolute original tattoo design.

Something that no one else can have because it’s drawn directly for you. It helps artists express their ideas and it flows directly on the body shape. You can use the muscles and curves to enhance the design. You can see directly what the artist is creating.

Together you can make decisions and additions to your piece. It’s also easier to modify and erase ideas as the design progresses. Not all tattoos can be drawn on paper. Trusting your artist with a custom tattoo is a wonderful freedom.

Designing it in markers can provide a risk-free approach to concepts before getting the permanent tattoo. Here is the process in creating an original design on skin. First we cleanse the area to eliminate any natural body oils. Starting off with clean skin is always important and it allows the markers to flow gracefully.

  1. Next we begin the drawing with the lightest color and sketch the basic form;
  2. As the details progress we will use a variety of colored markers working from light to dark and gradually build the detail in the design;

Then to end we refine it with darker tones to ready it for the tattooing. Usually, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Sharpies, although permanent, are easily erased with tattoo soaps or alcohol. Once the official design is created, the client and artist can inspect the areas thoroughly and make any final decisions before starting the tattoo.

Once everyone is excited about the creation we’re ready to go. The tattooing will lightly go over the on-skin drawing. As we tattoo the sharpie will gently wipe away leaving the client with a beautiful original new tattoo.

Going from Sharpie to skin offers a tattoo creation that is original and unique. It can compliment your body’s shape and create an amazing flow with the design. We strive to create on-skin whenever it can enhance a tattoos possibilities. Tattooing has become an incredible art form.

How do you make tattoo ink with Vaseline?

Download Article Download Article Whether you’re tattooing in prison or just on a budget, you can create “prison-style” tattoo ink using baby oil, charcoal, and a bit of water. Be aware that this is neither a safe nor a certain substitute for actual tattoo ink. Do-it-yourself tattooing is illegal in most prisons, and it can open you up to the risk of serious blood infections. People do, however, use the following recipe to make a basic ink.

  1. 1 Find a can or metal container. It should be able to hold 4-6 ounces of baby oil, along with a bit of balled-up cotton. Try using a clean, empty boot polish can. If you don’t have access to a pre-made container: use a sharp implement to shear a 12-ounce aluminum can in half, and use the bottom half as your container.
    • You may be able to buy a boot polish can from the prison commissary. [1] If you can’t find boot polish, look for another suitable can that you can buy. It’s important that you don’t arouse suspicion from the guards, so don’t buy a can of something that you would never normally use.
  2. 2 Put cotton inside the can. If you have access to cotton, ball it up inside the can as a “wick” to help ignite the baby oil. Make sure to leave at least a bit of the cotton dry and oil-free so that it will be easier to light. Use cotton balls, if you can, or tear a small strip of cotton from a shirt or pillowcase.
    • Try cutting the sleeves off your shirt. This way, you can use the cotton without arousing suspicion or completely ruining the shirt.

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  3. 3 Douse the cotton with baby oil. You should be able to buy this oil from the prison commissary. Use enough baby oil to completely saturate the cotton, and make sure not to spill. You will burn this oil to create a black, sooty powder: the base ingredient of your tattoo ink.
    • In the absence of baby oil, you may be able to use Vaseline or another petroleum-based substance. Do not melt poly fiber plastics, as these chemicals will irritate your skin. [2]
  4. 4 Build a “soot collector”. Find a flat, clean piece of metal that will fit over the opening of the can without covering it completely. If you can’t find anything else, try cutting a sheet from the top half of the aluminum can, then pressing it until it is flat. This piece will collect the sooty powder so that you can mix it into ink.

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  1. 1 Make fire. Use a lighter or matches, if possible. If you are in prison, however, you may not have access to a traditional fire-starter. Find a way to make fire without a lighter. You will need fire both to make the ink and to disinfect the needle.
    • Try “popping a socket”. Open up an electrical socket, then hold a pencil tip and a wire up to the charged interior. This will create a spark. Hold a piece of paper or tissue against the spark until it catches flame. [3]
    • Be very careful when handling flame. On one hand, you might badly burn yourself or start a fire that you can’t control. You also run the risk of attracting the attention of the guards.
  2. 2 Burn the baby oil and cotton. Use the cotton (or paper) as a wick: light a dry corner of the flammable material, and let it ignite the oil. Arrange the metal sheet or “soot collector” so that the smoke hits it. As the baby oil burns, the metal sheet will blacken with soot. Let the baby oil burn until it is spent, and let the metal cool before handling it directly.
    • Be prepared to burn the baby oil several times. The burning process does not produce a lot of powder, so you may need to burn the oil several times until you have enough to harvest.
  3. 3 Save the black powder. Use a paper or plastic card to scrape the black powder from the metal sheet. Do not use a razor or another metal scraper to remove the soot – the metal might leave shards in the powder, which will then wind up in your skin. Start by scraping the powder onto a clean, smooth surface or a white piece of paper.
    • Do not expose the powder to any moisture until you’re ready to mix your ink.
    • The metal sheet and canister will be hot from the flame. Do not handle the metal directly until you’ve given it time to cool. Avoid using a credit card to scrape soot from hot metal, as the edge of the card might melt into the powder.

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  1. 1 Put the tattoo powder into a small cap or container. Many prison tattooists use a clean toothpaste cap. Fill the cap about halfway with the sooty powder, and leave enough room in the container to mix in water. If you collected the soot on a sheet of paper, you can fold the paper and let the soot slide directly into the cap.
  2. 2 Add water. Mix the soot with a drop of clean water. Be very sparing with the liquid-to-soot ratio; a bit of water goes a long way. Start with a small dose, and mix the soot together with the water in the toothpaste cap. Consider adding a bit of clear, scentless baby oil to thicken the mixture.
    • Remember: the soot is much harder to come by than water or baby oil. It is a limited resource. Be very careful with your mixing so that you don’t need to make more soot.
  3. 3 Finish mixing the ink. Stir the soot-and-water mixture until it is about the consistency of a pen’s ink. If anything, the ink should be slightly thicker. Adjust the portions of each ingredient until the texture is just right. To thin your ink, add a dash of water or baby oil. To thicken it up, add more soot.

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Add New Question

  • Question Can I use normal pen ink? No, you cannot use normal pen ink as it can poison you if it gets into your blood stream.
  • Question Is there a way to make a tattoo needle? To make a tattoo needle, start with a pencil. Put a needle on the side of the pencil and wrap a thin string around it. (A lot of string. ) Make sure that the string goes near the tip of the needle, but not too close. The string is used to hold extra ink so that you don’t have to keep going back to the ink cup.
  • Question Do I need baby oil and shampoo, or could I just use soot and water? You don’t necessarily need the shampoo, but the baby oil is required to turn the soot into ink.
  • Question Can normal pen ink work? You’ll run the risk of an infection, or having a very bad-looking piece of art.
  • Question What kind of ink can I use for at home tattooing? You can use waterproof Black India ink from a local craft store. It comes in a small glass bottle with a dropper built into the lid. Thicken it up with ashes to desired consistency and start scratching.
  • Question Does the “soot collector” have to be metal? Not necessarily, but it has to be able to withstand fire, so it can’t be anything like plastic.
  • Question What kind of shampoo can I use? You don’t absolutely need shampoo, but the clearest and simplest you can find would be best.
  • Question Other inmates have been burning their ramen for like 9 minutes. Could this be to get ash for ink? When I was in prison I did this by burning the ramen and mixing the ink with baby oil. It didn’t work that well, though, so I wouldn’t recommend this method.
  • Question Can I thicken India ink with baby oil? Yes, you can.
  • Question Will it be permanent? No, it is not professionally done so it will fade pretty quickly, especially if it’s on a place you wash frequently like your hands.

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Is Bic pen ink toxic for tattoos?

Summing It Up – Pen ink is very rarely toxic and unless you ingest a lot of it, you should be fine. If some symptoms do appear, look for medical help. Play safe and don’t try any tricks with pen ink and tattoos. Not only it won’t look pretty, you can get a very bad infection and you don’t want any of that. So do try to be always careful and have fun with your inks! Back to the Blog .

Is Bic pen ink toxic for tattoos?

Summing It Up – Pen ink is very rarely toxic and unless you ingest a lot of it, you should be fine. If some symptoms do appear, look for medical help. Play safe and don’t try any tricks with pen ink and tattoos. Not only it won’t look pretty, you can get a very bad infection and you don’t want any of that. So do try to be always careful and have fun with your inks! Back to the Blog .

Is it OK to use pen ink for a stick and poke?

Use India Ink – Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images Do not use just any old ink for your stick and poke. Ink, like the ink from your pen, is not sterile and can be highly toxic. A non-toxic ink, like India ink, would be your best bet. It’s natural, carbon-based, and less likely to cause infection.