Tattoo Ink - There's More To It Than Most People Realize

It is amazing how big a role tattoo ink plays in the whole pop culture scene. The artist would still be an artist but his or her work would lack the permanency that the ink provides. Colors, shapes and words would be nothing more than a faded memory. But with the ink comes a lasting work of art that is there for the world to see. There is more to ink than what most people realize.

Tattoo ink is produced through a chemical process. It is comprised of a pigment or dye that is mixed with a carrier. Depending on the quality level of the ink, a carrier solution can be any number of products some of which can be toxic and deadly to the human body.

The oldest record of pigment is that of ground minerals and perhaps black charred coal or burnt timber. The ranges of colors found in pigments are limited to those found in nature. Some of the natural elements found in quality tattoo ink are: ochre (brown), carbon (black), red (iron oxide), and green (malachite). Other pigments can be obtained through a mixture of certain elements such as Chrome Yellow which is made up of different chemical elements.

A natural agent, though not temporary, is found in henna. This plant's leaves are ground up to produce a reddish brown powder which is then mixed into the tattoo ink. It is applied carefully with a small brush or sticks and will wear off with time.

Homemade tattoo ink is perhaps the most likely to cause allergic reaction or create a less than show quality tattoo. The homemade tattoo ink is produced by mixing a dye with a carrier such as ethyl alcohol or vodka. The problems arise when an antibacterial agent is not included in the mixture. A tattoo machine pierces the skin and the ink is inserted. Without proper bacterial safeguards the open wound can become seriously infected and result in blood poisoning. There have been some instances of death associated with poorly done tattoos and homemade ink.

There will always be those individuals interested in making the tattoo ink themselves. If you absolutely must make your own or you are simply curious as to the process, it is important to understand the process and sterilization procedures used to manufacture tattoo ink. You cannot simply venture out into the woods and gather up the colors, come back home and mix it all up. Please take the time to understand how chemistry works and get as much information as possible on making your own ink.

Tattoo ink is a delicate thing. In the hands of someone experienced it can be transformed from a puddle of color into a work of art to be admired for decades. In the hands of an amateur or the home-made tattoo machine it can become something deadly. It is never worth the health risk to go with cheap or poorly manufactured ink. It may look simple and easy in the tattoo parlor but there is more to creating a tattoo than meets the eye.

The safest thing a person can do regarding tattoo ink is to seek out a professional. Visit http://hubpages.com/hub/cool-tattoo-ideas to learn what you need to be aware of prior to getting a tattoo and find out where to look for great tattoo designs and ideas.


No comments: