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MTS Blog — tattoo ink

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The Dangers of Tattoo You must Know 0

Some people get tattoos to honour their loved ones, their religion, culture or whatever it is that is important to a certain individual. People who have experienced getting a tattoo already know what to look for and what to check when choosing a tattoo artist or selecting a tattoo parlour to do their next tattoo. They ask questions like “Does the artist wear gloves?” and “Do they sterilise equipment before and after using it?” If it's your first time to get a tattoo these are the things you should be looking out for. If you have questions you want to ask, don't be afraid and ask them as long as it will not offend them, and you ask it in a nice way.

However, one question everyone forgets to ask about is “What does the ink contain?” For first times, all the inks might look the same. Some tattoo inks are made of ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Tattoo Ink manufacturers sometimes don't include these details when they market their products. That's why it's important to research prior to getting a tattoo.

Water is one of the key ingredients in tattoo inks. It is the one responsible for creating the ink product and diluting the ink in parlors. Water is used in diluting the tattoo inks to obtain the specific shade of color a client wants. But, put in mind that any kind of unfiltered water can contaminate the ink and can allow harmful microorganisms to contaminate it, resulting to infectious diseases that may even kill you.

It might not be as popular as it really should, but contamination of tattoo ink products by unfiltered water has become a great problem. These infections will continue to occur until tattoo ink manufacturers and tattoo artists will fully understand the danger it brings to the client’s body. Lucky for those who only need medication for a few weeks or months to get better, but how about those who need to have multiple surgeries and have to go through under the knife just to treat their illness? It will live a scar not only to their skin but also to their lives.

How can clients protect themselves? What are the precautions that a tattoo artist must do to avoid these problems? Here are some of the precautions every tattoo artist must follow. A tattoo artist:

  • Must not use products that are not meant for tattooing;
  • Must use sterile water if dilution is needed;
  • Must not use unsterilised water in washing and rinsing the tattoo equipment.
  • Must make use of disease-free techniques in tattooing like maintaining a good hygiene and using clean gloves

In order for customers to avoid the risk of being infected by a disease, they must choose tattoo parlours and tattoo artists that are registered and approved to operate. That way, the customer can be confident that the tattoo artist follows rules and regulations to safe and sanitary tattooing.

Tattoo Brands throughout History 0

For the past decades, cultures from around the world have been practicing the art of tattooing in different ways. Some do it to honor highlights they have experienced in their lives, some do it to commemorate a loved who has passed away, some use it to indicate a certain position in the society, while some use it as a penalty for doing something that is against their culture, traditions, or beliefs. Techniques in making tattoo pigments used to be primeval. Our ancestors used to mix mashed flowers, mud, and other substances found in nature. They then inject it to their body without putting in mind the risks they are putting themselves into.

Despite of becoming more and more ordinary in the past three decades, the process of creating tattoo inks has been modified and is constantly being improved and perfected. Tattoo ink manufacturers in the modern era have been thinking on how to make inks that are organic, non-toxic and even vegan-friendly. They are also trying to figure out how to reduce the risks it brings by sterilising and testing the tattoo ink for a wider range of bacteria and other microorganisms that may cause complications before releasing it to the market.

Before Mario Barth, Intenze tattoo ink founder, decided on sterilising his products, he used to be one of the few who have dedicated their lives to produce inks with better quality. But now, there are already a lot of people who make high quality tattoo inks. It already came to the point where tattoo inks were harder to distinguish from one another. You might think that every manufacturer producing tattoo inks has established their own name, and that they can now produce different shades of every color that we know. But, how do you differentiate tattoo inks based on quality and safety? Here are two tattoo ink brands that have remained strong throughout the years.

• Alla Prima Ink. Cofounded by John Montgomery and Joshua Carlton. Alla Prima Ink has been delivering tattoo products with superior quality to the tattoo industry. With their 40+ years of experience, they understand that the technique of each competitor is to publicise their own brand, so they strive hard to constantly deliver one attractive and eye-catching tattoo products after another. Alla Prima Ink is one of the few companies that manufacture safe tattoo inks. Alla Prima Ink is a stable pigment-based ink. What makes this tattoo ink perfect is the thickness of inks that traditional tattoo artists like to use. Alla Prima Ink is safe because they are acrylic-free and solvent free. Also, they are free from PET plastic.

• Eternal Ink. This tattoo ink, founded by Terry “Tramp” Welker or Eternal Tattoo Supply, has been around since the 1980s. The focus of Eternal Ink has always been focused towards tattoo artists. Their main goal is to constantly look for better ways that will help and support tattoo artists in creating supreme and lifelong designs. As the years go by, the brand started to release a variety of tattoo supplies, including latex gloves, stencil and art supplies, tattoo needles, tubes and grips. Eternal Ink offers high-quality tattoo supplies worldwide and for reasonable prices. It is water-based, non-toxic and glycerol-free. Eternal Inks flow smoothly and scatters uniformly. These inks are ready-to-use.

There are a lot of high quality tattoos you can find online. Visit our product page to check out other superior quality tattoo inks.

Points to Ponder Before Having Your First Tattoo 0

Everybody gets too hyped up when getting their very first tattoo. Most of the people who get inked for the first time have this feeling of a fire burning inside them or a feeling of their blood rushing through their veins. Some might even feel butterflies in their stomach. Having your very first tattoo gives you mixed emotions – a feeling of excitement, nervousness, happiness and liberation.

Tattoos have become part of the modern fashion. What used to be a taboo has now become a craze and for some it even became an obsession. Of course, there will always be some people who regret getting their first tattoos because of different reasons. This is why you need to remember the three main tips I am about to tell you. Read through before booking an appointment with your chosen tattoo artist.

1. Think. Think, think and think again. This is something that will remain on your skin for a very very VERY long time, so you have to think about your design, its placement and the person you choose to do it for you. Take your time and do not rush things. Getting a tattoo is painful, but bearable. The amount of pain will depend on the part of your body, and your pain tolerance. Imagine pricking your skin with a needle and scratching it using that needle. As a first timer, avoid putting your tattoos in the most sensitive parts of your body. As much as possible, keep your face out of this, too. If you want to test your pain tolerance, you can always start with a small tattoo. You don't want to end up fainting in the middle of your tattoo session, or worse having an unfinished tattoo. I guess everybody wants to have a perfect memory of having their first tattoo, so try not to panic, because it might ruin the moment, or you might end up having your most embarrassing moment.
2. Research. This is important – the researching part. There's a lot of things to research about. You start with the design, placement, inks, tattoo shop, tattoo artist, and the most important of all... the price. Looking for the right design might be hard. This could take days or weeks, some take years to find a perfect design they want. That tattoo will remain on your skin for a long time, so don't rush it. Be sure of what you really want and don’t be deceived by your temporary feeling. Remember that feelings are temporary and tattoos are forever. You must also research the shop and the artist you want to entrust your "virgin" skin with. Try to search whether or not they have the right equipment to get it properly and safely done. As much as possible, make sure that you see them opening a new needle for you. Then comes the price. Some might offer cheaper services, there's nothing wrong with that. Just don't sacrifice your safety and your tattoo's quality. Unless this is a world-class shop or artist and someone close to you vouch for them, then go. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions.

3. Commit. Follow your tattoo care instructions. You can use some Tattoo Go products for this like their Aftercare Lotion and Aftercare Soap to help you with your tattoo's healing process.

 

Eternal Tattoo Ink 0

Despite the risks of getting a tattoo , there are still a number of people who take pleasure in the beauty and aesthetics of it. Most of us know that using unsterilised needle for piercing or wounding yourself is a big risk for our health. Using unsterilised needle can pass infectious disease such as hepatitis and HIV. Another thing is that using these types of needles can increase the risk of getting allergies and other health complications from colored tattoo ink. Some of the complications include carcinoma, cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, granuloma, lichenoid diseases and many others. Before you get your first tattoo, think as much as you can first. Research articles and read some books about tattoos, inks and the other consequences might face. Getting informed about tattoos, inks, needles, and other tattoo-related stuff will help you understand it better. 

Don't worry! Since the art of tattooing have become too mainstream and a lot of people appreciate the art of getting tattoos, the issues and concerns I have mentioned  above are already being taken care of. Tattoo ink manufacturers and tattoo artists are making their efforts to develop and produce a better tattoo ink quality that lessens the said risks. Because of this, there are different types of ink available in the market. Thanks to these people, ink manufacturers have discovered making tattoo inks using organic and vegan ingredients.

If you're considering on getting a tattoo you might want to look for the following ingredients to make sure your tattoo artist is using a non-toxic ink:

  • Aluminum, Copper, Sodium – generates blue dye
  • Carbazole and Dioxazine – generates purple ink
  • Carbon and Logwood – used for generating blank ink
  • Monoazo – generates green ink; it is a carbon-based pigment used in cosmetics as a coloring in cosmetics
  • Naphthol – generates red ink
  • Titanium Dioxide – used for generating white ink
  • Turmeric – an herb that generates yellow ink

Aside from the ingredients mentioned above, non-toxic inks also include purified water, ethanol and vegetable-based glycerine as main ingredients.

One of the leading brands that are proven to be non-toxic is the Eternal Tattoo Ink. Their inks are composed of organic pigments. In addition to that, Eternal Tattoo Ink is also free from any animal by-products. This is a great advantage for our vegan friends out there who are really dying to get themselves a tattoo! Just do some research and find a tattoo artist who use Eternal Ink and not just some normal low-class tattoo ink. Tattoo Artists who use non-toxic inks are artists who not only love their craft but also worry about their client's safety. Read reviews, research and choose the perfect tattoo artist and tattoo parlour for you. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You can even ask them to do a patch test prior to getting inked, this way you will be able to test if you will get any allergic reaction from the tattoo ink they will be using.

Why choose Kuro Sumi Ink? 0

Choosing between different tattoo ink brands can be a real brain teaser. It is one of the dilemmas most tattoo artists face, especially those buying their supplies for the first time. One brand can give you a more vibrant and bright finish, while other brands produce soft colours. The main differences among tattoo ink brands are the ingredients and measurements of these ingredients used. Finding the perfect tattoo ink can take a lot of work and research. 

One brand that's very popular, even in other countries, due to its uniqueness and superior quality is Kuro Sumi Ink. Kuro Sumi Ink is created using a secret formula that has been passed down from different generations. It is world-renowned for its outstanding outlining and shading inks, making Kuro Sumi one of the most popular ink brands used by world-class tattoo artists.

Wide range of colors

Unlike other tattoo ink brands, Kuro Sumi has a smaller colour palette. However, it remains wide enough for artists looking to produce creative and colourful designs. Kuro Sumi inks are popular for their superior outlining and shading qualities and the superb vibrancy of their hues.

Our range of black Kuro Sumi tattoo ink includes options that are designed for shading and outlining. Choose from black outline ink or grey wash shading ink, available in both black and soft options to suit your specific preferences.

Some of their famous inks include Buddha Blue, Green Apple Blossom, Fuji Lavender, Tokyo Rose Red, Pacific Blue, Midori Green, Eggplant, Geisha Grey, Tiger Skin, (and dozens more) all of which have the fluid consistency and intense colours needed for a fantastic outcome.

Materials

Kuro Sumi Ink is water-based. The colours come from traditional Japanese recipes that have a lot of unique pigments. The inks come from natural ingredients, making it safe for the skin. Kuro Sumi Ink uses ink formulas that are vegan-friendly and purely organic. The use of natural pigments and the lack of any animal products in the inks make this brand suitable for vegans.

Product Range

Just like the product’s colour palette, Kuro Sumi inks are also available in a wide variety of sets and the black and grey inks come in a range of sizes. Although the colours are meek, the ink's strength and vibrancy compensate for the lack of modern colours, which are found in the ink ranges of other brands manufactured in the US. 

Before you spend your money on any tattoo ink or equipment, it is best to ask people who have been in the industry for years, and to read online reviews.

Antibacterial Tattoo Soap and other Tattoo After-Care tips 0

The process of getting a tattoo doesn’t end with you leaving the tattoo shop. It will take few more days before you see the final outcome. When your tattoo has fully healed, that’s when you can finally say it’s finished. To give you an idea on your tattoo’s healing process, I’ve made a list of the different what to expect, what to avoid, and what to do while your tattoo is healing.


Once your tattoo is finished, the tattoo becomes an open wound. It will be washed and bandaged by your artist to prevent infection and bacteria. Some artists recommend that you keep your tattoo covered for 24 hours, some will recommend that you remove the bandage immediately once you get home. I prefer to remove the bandage immediately once I get home, to let it breathe and to avoid the bandage sticking to the wound.


The pain, and healing process will depend on your tattoo. Tattoos that are bigger in size take more time to heal and are more painful. Some even get fevers. When it becomes too painful for you to bear, you can take a pain reliever. It’s normal for the tattooed area to become reddish and a bit swollen.


You can take a bath even if your tattoo hasn’t fully healed. Just make sure to use an antibacterial tattoo soap, avoid scrubbing, and wash it as gentle as possible. Ask your tattoo artist if they have an antibacterial tattoo soap brand they recommend. It is not advisable to soak in a bath tub while your tattoo is still in its healing process. Soaking in a tub, or swimming in pools, or the sea might cause infections to your tattoo, and that’s the last thing you want to have. Wash your tattoo twice a day with the antibacterial tattoo soap.


The tattooed area will start to become dry and form scabs as it heals. When this happens, it will start to itch. Make sure you do not scratch or peel your tattoo or else, it will have white spots when it’s fully healed. You can moisturize your tattoo by applying a lotion recommended by your artist. You should also avoid being exposed to direct sunlight because it can cause your tattoo to fade. Since your skin is still healing and recovering, expect it to be very sensitive, exposing it to sunlight can cause burning, and other irritations. The scabs will peel and fall off on its own. You will notice that your tattoo won’t be as sharp and vibrant as it was before it peeled. It is perfectly normal. The colour will improve once the tattoo is fully healed.


The healing process might take three to four weeks. During this period, it is important to observe your skin and your tattoo very well. If you notice anything that was not mentioned here, it’s best that you contact your tattoo artist right away. He can give you advise on how to care for a tattoo that has been infected.

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