Tattoo Ink – Some Of The Risks Involved
The decision to be inked is one that is very important. But little is considered about the actual art work produced by the tattoo machine. The tattoo ink is the most critical item in the tattoo artist arsenal. Without it a tattoo would be nothing more than a pretty, albeit temporary, design on the skin that would wash away or wear away within a few days.
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.
If making tattoo ink is a life-long dream then there are precautions that need to take place. The first is to learn about sterilization and the chemical process. Some carriers are far better than others. Case in point: purified water versus antifreeze. Antifreeze is lethal to the human body. It does not make much sense to take that kind of risk. The second most important aspect to consider about tattoo ink is to get the pigment from a reputable company. Do not go into the woods and try to randomly make a pigment powder. Some plants are poisonous.
The safest thing a person can do regarding tattoo ink is to seek out a professional. They have been trained to use sanitary measures and most often buy their tattoo ink directly from a licensed manufacturer. There is far less risk involved and a tattoo is never worth sickness or possible death.
To find out more go here: Tattoo Drawings and Japanese Tattoo Symbols another great resources is Tribal Dragon Tattoo
Fade Away Your Unwanted Tattoo Now!
Tags: Allergic Reaction, Antibacterial Agent, Art Work, Blood Poisoning, Carrier Solution, Chemical Elements, Chrome Yellow, Ethyl Alcohol, Human Body, Life Long Dream, Natural Elements, Open Wound, Pigment, Pigments, Quality Level, Red Iron Oxide, Safeguards, Tattoo Artist, Tattoo Ink, Tattoo Machine, Vodka
December 11th, 2008 at 3:15 am
Yes you are absolutely right… My friend did a tattoo and now he is suffering from allergy. Hes has developed rashes all over his body….