ink

[vernon]

Hey Jack, I got a question to ask about ink. What is the best type of ointment to use on tattoos to keep the color looking fresh :?: Also I have noticed that my 5 round needles fit perfect through my 3 round tip. Does this mean that I could fit maybe 7 or 8s through my 5 round tip :?: And like you said I have noticed that the flats don't work to good for full coloring but seem to work pretty well for shading.

Later.............

[vernon]

hey Jack, I did some flames on my leg and at firs they looked good but when it healed the red ink looked darker in spots. Do you know why this happened :?:

[imported_NeedleJack]

Hey Vern:
Regarding the ink looking darker in some spots rather than others. One of two reasons. You were not consistant when applying your color. This means that A:) you were not consistant when applying your color. This generally happens when you let up while your tattooing. Which will mean that the tattoo will heal uneven. Not a big deal. Just means you will have to go over those areas again to even it up. Or B:) you rushed through some areas of the tattoo while you were tattooing. This happens when we get impatient while tattooing. Slow down. Remember, always take your time when coloring. Nice even circles overlapping your last circle and take it slow. You don't have to chew up the skin - just get a nice rhythem going.

Regarding healing: you can use a lot of different things. I personally use bag balm (works great) also you can use A&D ointment, works fine, but I've found that some people have funky reactions regarding their healing. Lubiderm Lotion works great on both color and black. This is up for debate within the tattoo world as why someone would put lotion on an open wound. Put it like this, after a day you no longer have an open wound - you have a semi scab that needs to be kept moist. Lubiderm is the goods for this. Also, you can use bacitracin or neosporin. NOTE: Do Not Use Neosporin on TATTOOS with COLOR!!!

As far as needles go. Yes, 5's fit nicely in a 3 depending on the brand you use. Some needles individual shaft is thicker and probably won't work in a 3L. Yes, most 8L tubes work fine for 5s because most companies sell a middle of the road (4-8L) tube.

Nice talking to you - PS, nobody here named Jack. We're both Chris's. =)

[vernon]

Really appreciate it Chris. I thought it might be where the ink is kinda watery. I hear thicker ink takes better to skin.

later.

[txtatz]

Thicker ink does not take better to the skin, it will be harder to work in.
I have notice with millenuim inks some are very thick and need to be diluted just a tad and then they fly right in. with that said to watery will cause the colors to look like they are not going in also but its just that the color may be to diluted, both these situations can cause you to over work the skin.

[syco26]

One thing I have noticed with useing too tight a tip is the lack of ink flow.If you do you use a 5 in a 3 tube you run the risk of the fit being too tight and there is not enough room for the capillary action to happen -same goes for 7s in 5s and so forth - also if you have too loose a tip you will have problems keeping ink in the tip and run out very quickly

[Anonymous]

ya melinium inks ARE thick.

[vernon]

I have recently ordered some inks from joe kaplan's web site. Has anyone ever heard of this site? Well when I got my ink I noticed a familiar smell. I noticed the powdered pigment was not shook up very well so I shook it up as much as possible. Then I opened the bottles and got whiff and it smelled exactly like listerine mouthwash. I believe thats what they use to mix with their pigment. I only ordered it because it said it was the best ready mixed pigment in the bizz. But I guess everyone claims thiers is the best. The colors seem to stay real bright and go in the skin well. I was just wondering if anyone has ever heard such a crazy thing.

[Anonymous]

I have been to that site , but never bothered to order anything from there . Those inks sound kinda fishy...

[framey]

:evil:

[vernon]

no I have some inks with alcohol. It's definently listerine.

[framey]

:evil:

[daymon]

i have some of that brand ink also it does smel like a minty smell but its pretty good i havnt had any probalms yet

[voodoo]

listerene prevents germs from growing in the ink, you could use vodka in it as well. go to google & type in how to make tattoo ink and see for your self... :twisted:

[Choppers4Life]

I have recently ordered some inks from joe kaplan's web site. Has anyone ever heard of this site? Well when I got my ink I noticed a familiar smell. I noticed the powdered pigment was not shook up very well so I shook it up as much as possible. Then I opened the bottles and got whiff and it smelled exactly like listerine mouthwash. I believe thats what they use to mix with their pigment. I only ordered it because it said it was the best ready mixed pigment in the bizz. But I guess everyone claims thiers is the best. The colors seem to stay real bright and go in the skin well. I was just wondering if anyone has ever heard such a crazy thing.

I started my career using Kaplin inks and after 10 years I have seen some of my original work done with them. They do hold up pretty nicely over time and I can't really complain too much about them other than they tend to dry and harden or crust over in the bottles. They are not quite as bold as intenze or starbright but they work well. By the way they are not cut with listerine. alcohol and which hazel. If your going to order new inks and you don't want to have to cut or thin them too much I say go with the fantasia or intenze inks first.