Transfering ink to different bottles.

[tadt]

I have some kuri sumi ink in the big bottle that it comes in. I want to transfer it to a smaller bottle like a 2 ounce size for example, how would i go about sterilizing the new bottle, besides boiling it? or would just boiling the new bottle be enough?, i figured an autoclave would cause it to melt and i have no idea how to get the gas they use to sterilize the disposable tubes with. Any help would be appreciated.

[Inkster]

I have thought about the same thing, obviously autoclave / dry heat would destroy the bottles so the only option would be chemical sterilisation such as for example steralising solution for babys bottles for starters then perhaps alcohol. If some one has an answer please feel free to share or to offer input or how you do it.

[timmy]

We can never be to sterile,so yeah i would take and not only boil them for a long time but also use a cold sterilization product thats on alot of tattoo suppliers list and also just wait and lets see if we can get some more feedback.Better to be safe,this is a good question as im getting ready to order some large bottles and would like to break them down.boil,cold sterilization,alcohol,i would soak in them all.

[skullman]

I have seen in the barber shop that they have a chemical sterilization in a arisol can. They use it for there chairs hair driers and clippers. If your cleaning out freash bottles I think that this would help. You can get it at an local barbar supply company, like Sally's supplies.

[Nekrotek]

"barber shop that they have a chemical sterilization in a arisol can"

Any residue from that or any chemicals in the bottle would get into the ink and could be poisonous.

Some thing to think about.

[timmy]

check this info out about sterilization,at acidbaby in the facts and tools section.Has alot of good info,really usefull.

[twistofcane2000]

Dont ever use a "cold sterilization product" for anything thing that will penetrate the skin. or anything with gluteralhyde. :evil:

[skullman]

just for the argue ment sake it is is an alcohol based. So that it evaperates, so that there is no residue. Kinda like swishing alcohol around in the bottle.

[STARMedic]

So if no one sterilizes the insides of the ink caps why would you sterilize the inside of a bottle if both of them have come directly from manufacturer?

Bruce

[tadt]

thanks for the input everyone.STAR i never thought about the ink caps i have mine sitting in the bag that they came in and dont clean or steriize them before i use them. im still gonna atleast boil the new bottles to get any crap out of them.

[STARMedic]

Im with ya.....

Bruce

[Mr. Bill]

If these are plastic bottles, I'd be worried about them warping when boiled. Maybe run them through a heated cycle in the dishwasher. They wont be steril but they will be clean.

Just a thought.

[Inkster]

The question still remains unanswered, I wonder if the local EHO could shed some light on it. I have seen plastic bottles of all shapes and sizes manufactured using the blow moulding principle, during construction the plastic does come into contact with steel moulding heads which are hot one second to form the plastic then cold the next second to release the now formed object from the mould, what I am saying is they are manufactured in an engineering environment not a sterile environment. There is also always a risk of loose plastic swarf inside of the container. I wonder how medicine manufacturers steralise their bottles unless they are manufactured in what we call a clean room environment.

[Chef-Ink]

Great point about the ink caps, both sizes that I have are still in the plastic bags from NJ.

I actually had thought about the ink cup situation before. Im a chef/foodservice manager. Im certified in HACCP (Hazard Awareness and Critical Control Points), basically deals CC issues with food. Many of the same principles apply to both.

Im wondering if anyone has sterilizied their ink caps, I never have.

If you break down the tattooing process, the ink caps themselves would be considered a Critical Control Point. Being that they are a vessel holding the inks.
I go through alot of set-up and care to insure a clean enviornment, and clean sterinle equipment. Kind of a bummer to realize how Ive overlooked the ink caps. Lesson learned.

BUT, what for the guy like me, I dont own a 'clave. I keep my tattooing area clean, use barriers, multiple sets of gloves etc.?
Now what should I/We all do?

[twistofcane2000]

when i order ink bottles i jst scrub them with soap and water,if they cant go in the clave i just rinse them in alcohol to sanitize them and remove any residue in the bottles and caps, the same goes for my ink caps, i store them in a container with alcohol, until time of use. i pull out what i think ill need for the tattoo, let them drain on a towel while you finish setting up. another thing i do while were talking about it is to take an alcohol pad and whipe the needle tips and bar down before setting up my machine . :twisted:

[voodoo]

i would say use alcohol as well.

[Miss Disaster]

I'm not sure if it's the right way, but when i got my big bottle of K Sumi, I also transfered it into smaller bottles that came right from a supplier. I rinsed the bottles, then cleaned them in and out with alcohol, then washed them out with distilled water, put em on a paper towel upside down for a few, then put the ink in. Like someone else said, I think it's impossible to be COMPLETELY and truely Sterile, you can only be as sterile as you can, and be clean as you can. I mean, it's true, look at ink cups, they are not sterile. But hey, do all you think is right, and try to be as safe and clean as possible, this is someone's life and body you are handling.

[FORGIVEN]

i use a shaker top container for the ink caps ...less chance of c.c.
and i also did the transfer thing , just squirted a little alcohol in the 1 oz. bottle and let dry .
Sterilization is the number one thing to be concerned about , but not to obsess about , think of the paper towels you use (????) , gloves , and how many of us use clipcord covers ???or full lengeth (fore arm) gloves ????

[tadt]

thanks for the great input everyone, im gonna go with scrubbing and the alcohol rinse.