Tattoo Ink – The Foundation of a Successful Design

Every professional tattoo artist knows that ink can both greatly facilitate the perfect reproduction of a design on the skin and cause numerous complications. Everything depends on the quality of the product, which is why no self-respecting artist uses tattoo inks of unknown origin, sticking exclusively to those proven brands. If you don't have any preferences in this regard yet, because you're just starting your tattooing adventure, then this guide is for you. We'll tell you how to choose the right tattoo ink, both in terms of product quality and its intended use.

Safety is paramount

The primary criterion for choosing tattoo ink should be its safety of use. Here, we need to introduce very important information. In the European Union, the REACH regulation has been in force since January 2022, which sets strict standards for tattoo inks. Those sold within the EU must be free from potentially harmful chemical substances that can cause allergic reactions or other health problems.

So how do you ensure the ink is safe? Here's a quick checklist of things to check:

• Choose inks labeled as compliant with the REACH regulation.
• Avoid purchases from unverified places, such as unknown foreign online stores or platforms with cheap products (mainly from China).
• Opt for inks from reputable brands that adhere to safety standards.

REACH-compliant tattoo inks are, of course, available in Ars Tattoo's regular offer.

Types of tattoo inks

Tattoo inks are divided into different categories depending on their intended use. Each type of ink has unique characteristics that correspond to specific techniques and styles of work.

Let's start with outlining inks, which are characterized by a deep, intense black, allowing for precise creation of design outlines. These inks, as the name suggests, are intended for outlining and defining the boundaries of a tattoo. An example product available at Ars Tattoo is Dynamic Union Black.

Another category consists of shading inks. They have a looser consistency, allowing for the creation of smooth tonal transitions and light and shadow effects. They are ideal for realistic designs and modern tattooing styles. An example product is Aloe Tattoo Special Shading Solution.

Now for filling inks, which come in a wide range of colors, from pastels to intensely saturated hues. They are used for uniform skin coverage and creating colorful elements of a tattoo. Examples of products include Viking Baby Blue and Viking Atomic Green.

Inks for beginners

Choosing the right ink also depends on the tattoo artist's experience and skill level. If you're just starting, you can confidently stick to cheaper inks designed for learning to tattoo on artificial skin. These are less durable inks that are not suitable for use on human skin.

Inks for professionals

Professional tattoo artists cannot afford to experiment with quality. They need proven products, safe for themselves and their clients, guaranteeing the high durability of the completed design and the desired color intensity.

As a professional, choose only inks compliant with the REACH regulation. Our recommended brands include World Famous Ink Limitless, Dynamic, Panthera, RAW Pigments, and Kuro Sumi. You will, of course, find these inks in the Ars Tattoo offer.

Summary

Good tattoo ink, combined with the right machine, talent, and skills of the tattoo artist, guarantees a great final effect and client satisfaction. In this industry, there are things that should not be skimped on, and this certainly applies to inks.

Familiarize yourself with our full range of tattoo inks and useful accessories, such as ink caps, dispensers, and mixing liquids – all available for immediate purchase at Ars Tattoo with fast delivery to your home or studio.