Everything You Need to Know About Tattoo Pigment Powder and Ink

What is Tattoo Pigment Powder?

Tattoo pigment powder is the colored ink that tattoo artists use to create designs on skin. The pigment comes in a powder form and must be mixed with distilled water or witch hazel to create usable tattoo ink. There are a wide variety of tattoo pigment colors available, allowing tattoo artists to create colorful, vibrant designs.

How Tattoo Pigments Work

Tattoo pigments are made up of microscopic particles that are implanted into the dermis layer of the skin during tattooing. Common pigments used in tattoo ink include:

• Organic pigments like carbon black
• Inorganic pigments like titanium dioxide and iron oxides
• Synthetic organic pigments like azo dyes

These pigment particles are too large for the body to break down and remove. They become permanently embedded in the skin, which is how tattoos last for many years. The particles reflect light, allowing the color to show through the skin.

How Tattoo Artists Use Pigment Powder

Tattoo artists purchase sterile tattoo pigment powder and mix it with distilled water or witch hazel to create their tattoo inks. Each artist has their own pigment color preferences and mixing ratios. Here is the typical process for preparing tattoo ink:

1. Measure out the sterile pigment powder
2. Mix in distilled water or witch hazel using an ink cup or sterile container
3. Thoroughly blend the solution
4. Pour the finished ink into sterile ink caps for use

The artist can control the consistency and flow of the ink based on the pigment to liquid ratio. More liquid creates thinner, easier to work with ink. Tattoo artists may also mix different colored pigments together to create custom blended tones.

Types of Tattoo Pigments

There are a wide variety of tattoo pigment types available for use in tattoo ink. Here are some of the most common:

Organic Pigments

Organic pigments are derived from plant or animal sources. Common examples include:

• Carbon black - The most common black tattoo pigment made from charred animal bones or fossil fuels.
• Sepia - Brown organic pigment made from the ink of cuttlefish.
• Cochineal - Bright red pigment derived from cochineal insects.

Inorganic Pigments

Inorganic pigments are synthetically made from mineral sources. Common inorganic tattoo pigments:

• Titanium dioxide - A white pigment used to lighten tattoo ink colors.
• Iron oxides - Red, yellow, brown, and black pigments made from iron.
• Chromium oxide - A green pigment derived from the mineral chromite.

Synthetic Organic Pigments

Synthetic organic pigments are human-made from petroleum sources. Examples include:

• Azo dyes - Red, orange, and yellow pigments made from synthetic hydrocarbons.
• Phthalocyanine blues - Common blue and green pigments.
• Quinacridone - Range of bright magenta, red, and violet pigments.

Choosing Safe Tattoo Pigments

While tattoo pigments have become safer over time, some risks still remain. Here are tips for choosing safe, high quality tattoo pigment powder:

Look for Sterile, Professional-Grade Pigments

Always choose tattoo pigments designed specifically for tattooing. They are sterilized and free from contaminants. Stay away from craft pigments not formulated for skin use.

Avoid Toxic Metals like Cadmium or Mercury

Certain heavy metals used in some pigments can cause allergic reactions and toxicity. Look for cadmium-free, mercury-free tattoo pigments.

Stick to Reputable Professional Brands

Top tattoo ink brands like Intenze, Millennium Moms, Silverback and Radiant go through extensive safety testing and quality control.

Consult Pigment Safety Ratings

The APP (Association of Professional Piercers) has a tattoo pigment rating system to assess ingredient risks. This can help guide safer selections.

Perform a Skin Patch Test First

Always do a skin patch test for new pigments to check for potential irritation or allergic reaction before use in a tattoo.

By selecting high quality, sterile tattoo pigment powders from reputable suppliers, both artists and clients can feel confident with the safety of tattoo inks.

FAQs

What is the difference between organic and inorganic pigments?

Organic pigments come from plant or animal sources, like carbon black and sepia. Inorganic pigments are synthetically made from minerals, like titanium dioxide and iron oxides.

Do I need to sterilize new tattoo pigment powder?

Reputable tattoo pigment brands sell pre-sterilized pigment powder safe for tattoo use. There's no need to sterilize them yourself.

What ratio of pigment powder to liquid should I use?

There's no set ratio - each artist has their own mixing preferences. Use more liquid for thinner, easier to work with ink. Use less for thicker consistency.

Can I use craft pigments or make my own tattoo ink?

It's highly advised to only use sterile, professional tattoo pigments made for use on skin. Homemade or craft inks risk contamination.

How can I determine if a pigment is safe to use?

Check product safety ratings, avoid toxic metals, and perform skin patch tests to determine tattoo pigment safety before use.