Have you considered making stick and poke tattoos? It is an ancient way of tattooing that dates back to 5.200 BCE. But it can be seen getting a bit of hype in recent years. A few reasons behind it are that it is a DIY-friendly tattooing method, a budget-friendly option, easy to tattoo, and does not hurt much. Whether you’re a seasoned stick-and-poke enthusiast or a newbie considering your first hand-poked design, one crucial aspect to consider is the type of ink you use. So, what ink to use for stick and poke?
You should use tattoo ink or skin-safe and non-toxic India ink for stick and poke tattoos. Tattoo inks and non-toxic India inks are safe to use on the skin. Do not use pen ink or homemade ink for stick and poke tattoos. Using inks that are not designed for tattooing or contain toxins can cause infection and other serious health issues.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-dispersed or pre-made and stable pigment-based ink is used for stick-and-poke tattoos.
- Stick and poke tattoo ink generally contains two components which are pigments and carriers.
- Alternative ink for stick-and-poke tattoo inks is India ink, pen ink, sharpie, DIY ink, traditional tattoo inks, etc.
- To store a stick and poke tattoo ink properly keep the ink battle in a cool and dry place, seal the lid shut, label it, etc.
Ink To Use For Stick And Poke
You can use any tattoo ink that is of good quality to create tattoos. Tattoo ink is professional ink that can provide smooth consistency. There are certain types of ink called India ink, they are mostly used for drawing but you can use them for your stick and poke tattoo as long as they are skin-safe. Some examples of non-toxic and skin-safe India ink are Winsor and Newton, Speedball, and Higgins. India ink can be a fine tattoo ink alternative for you.
I strongly recommend not to use pen ink for hand-poked tattoos or any other form of tattoo. Unfortunately, pen ink is a quite popular form of ink for this type of tattooing. The reason is, that most newbie tattoo artists or someone who just bought a stick-and-poke tattoo kit to mess around do not know what qualities a tattoo ink should have. Pen ink can be toxic as it is not sterile, it can potentially cause infection, and getting a tattoo using pen ink won’t last long either. Sticking to professional tattoo ink or actual tattoo ink is the safest option here.
Professional tattoo ink types can be divided into two, such as:
- Pre-dispersed ink and
- Stable pigment-based ink
You can use either type for your stick and poke tattoo. Stable pigment-based inks are not so popular. It requires mixing to be used so there is little to no chance of such ink being used at home.
But, the pre-dispersed tattoo ink is the most popular ink used for this method of tattooing. Pre-dispersed inks are commonly recommended for stick-and-poke tattoos as they offer convenience and consistency in pigment quality and application. They come in liquid form and you do not have to dilute them with water or anything else.
Inks To Avoid Using For Stick And Poke Tattoos
Make sure to avoid using any of the ink I have mentioned below for any sort of tattooing procedure:
- Sharpie ink
- Penk ink
- Bic pen ink
Component of stick and poke tattoo ink
Stick and poke tattoo ink primarily contains two crucial ingredients. Which are pigments and carriers. Let’s dive into what these ingredients are and what they do.
- Pigments: First up, we have pigments. Think of pigments as the color superheroes of the ink world. They are the components that give your stick-and-poke tattoo its vibrant and eye-catching hues. Pigments come in a wide variety of shades, from bold and bright to subtle and earthy tones. So, whether you’re aiming for a striking statement piece or a more understated design, pigments are here to make your tattoo pop!
- Carriers: Now, let’s talk about carriers. Carriers are like trusty sidekicks that help the pigments do their job. They are liquid or gel-like substances that carry and distribute the pigments evenly. Carriers ensure that the ink flows smoothly and consistently during the tattooing process, allowing you to create those clean lines and shading effects. They also help the pigments stay suspended in the ink, so you get that long-lasting color that will make your tattoo made using stick and pokes stand the test of time.
It’s worth mentioning that the choice of carriers can vary depending on the specific brand or type of stick-and-poke ink you’re using. Some common carriers include water, alcohol, glycerin, or a mixture of these. The selection of carriers can influence factors like ink viscosity (how thick or thin the ink is) and drying time. So, it’s important to find an ink with carriers that suit your preferences and the specific style of stick and poke tattooing you’re aiming for.
Remember, the combination of pigments and carriers in tattoo ink is what brings your design to life. Whether you’re going for bold and vibrant or subtle and nuanced, the right blend of pigments and carriers will help you create a stick-and-poke tattoo that reflects your unique style and personality. So, get those creative juices flowing and dive into the world of stick-and-poke tattooing with the perfect ink in hand!
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5 Alternative Inks To Use For Stick And Poke
If you are not vibing with the traditional stick-and-poke tattoo ink then you can go for an alternative. I have listed a few alternatives below:
1. India ink
It is one of the most popular alternatives to stick and poke tattoo ink. India ink is known for its deep black color, which can create some seriously striking stick-and-poke tattoos. Just make sure you choose an India ink that’s safe for skin application, as not all variations are created equal. Keep in mind that color options might be a bit limited compared to purpose-made stick and poke inks, but if you’re all about that classic black look, India ink might be your jam.
2. DIY ink
Now, if you’re feeling extra creative, you might be tempted to whip up your own DIY ink. While it might sound cool, it’s important to proceed with caution. Homemade ink recipes found online can be a bit sketchy, and you don’t want to end up with something that could cause infections or wonky results. Homemade inks often lack consistency, quality control, and proper sterilization, so it’s generally best to steer clear of these DIY experiments. Your skin and the longevity of your tattoo are worth investing in professionally made inks.
3. Sharpie ink
Before we go deeper, let me say this right off the bat that using Sharpie ink will probably give you the least longevity among all the alternatives. Probably your kid’s own Sharpie that they use to make drawings. Sharpie can be used as an alternative to stick and poke tattoo ink if you do not have access to anything else. But is it a replacement for traditional tattoo ink? Am afraid not. And the ink is not sterile, so there is a chance you may get a tattoo infection. If you want a long-lasting alternative then Sharpie ink is not for you.
4. Pen ink
Yes, you heard me right. Your regular pain ink could be a replacement for stick and pock tattoo ink. But the ink can potentially cause infection as it is not sterile. Even though pen ink is a popular form of tattoo ink that gets used in prison and in many households for DIY tattooing methods. Just because a lot of people use it, does not make it a better option. Try not to use pen ink if you have better alternative inks. As tattoo ink can potentially cause not only tattoo infection but also tissue damage.
5. Traditional tattoo inks
While traditional tattoo inks are primarily used with tattoo machines, they can also be suitable for stick and poke tattoos. If you opt for traditional inks, ensure they are sterilized and diluted correctly to achieve the desired consistency for hand-poking. It’s crucial to exercise caution and research proper dilution ratios to avoid complications.
How To Store Stick And Poke Tattoo Ink
In this portion, I am listing the crucial steps that you should follow to store your stick-and-poke tattoo ink properly.
- Find a cool and dry spot: Look for a place where you can store your ink bottle away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. We want our ink to stay cool and relaxed, just like we are when we’re tattooing!
- Seal it tightly: Make sure the container or ink bottle is tightly sealed. Give it a good twist or snap to ensure no air or unwanted visitors can sneak in. By unwanted visitors, I meant germs and bacteria that could contaminate your ink. You want to keep our ink fresh and free from any contaminants. You can avoid cross-contamination by sealing it tightly.
- Keep it upright: Store your ink container in an upright position. This helps prevent any leaks or spills that could make a mess or waste your precious ink. You want every drop to count!
- Separate from food and drinks: It’s best to keep your ink away from any edible items. We don’t want any mix-ups or accidental sips of ink instead of your morning coffee. Yikes!
- Label it: If your ink container doesn’t come with a label or if you’re using multiple colors, consider labeling them. A simple sticker or marker can do the trick. This way, you can easily identify the color without having to play a guessing game.
- Check the expiration date: Like any product, ink can have an expiration date. Before using it, double-check to make sure it’s still within its shelf life. We want our ink to be fresh and ready to create some amazing tattoos.
FAQs
1. What’s the best ink to use for stick-and-poke tattoos?
The best ink to use for stick-and-poke tattoos is a purpose-made stick-and-poke ink which is made for stick-and-poke tattooing specifically. It’s specifically designed for this technique, ensuring consistent results and meeting safety standards. But hey, make sure to do your research and consult with professional stick poke artists for their recommendations too!
2. Can I use regular tattoo ink for stick-and-poke tattoos?
You can use regular tattoo ink for stick-and-poke tattoos, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure the ink is properly sterilized and diluted for hand-poking. It’s like mixing the perfect cocktail – you want the right balance for a smooth tattooing experience.
3. What about using India ink for stick-and-poke tattoos?
It’s a popular choice for stick-and-poke tattoos, especially if you’re going for that classic black look. Just be cautious and choose an India ink that’s safe for skin application. You don’t want any unexpected surprises or skin reactions.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to what ink to use for stick-and-poke tattoos, it’s all about finding the perfect match for your artistic journey. Remember there are not many ink alternatives to choose from. Traditional tattoo inks are the best choice for these hand-picked tattoos. And let’s not forget the classic India ink, perfect for those who love that timeless black look. Just make sure it’s skin-safe.
But stay away from DIY ink experiments if possible. Only those who are experienced tattoo artists can make themselves some fine DIY ink but an amateur or someone who does not know about ink might contaminate or ruin the ink. Remember your skin deserves better than a science project gone wrong. So, do your research, consult the pros, and choose an ink that resonates with your style and safety needs. With the right ink in hand, get ready to embark on an artistic adventure and create stick-and-poke body art that will make heads turn and hearts skip a beat!
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