Just like any other tattoo, black tattoos will fade over time. However, they are generally quite stable and resistant to fading. That being said, there are a few things that can cause black tattoos to fade prematurely.
The Chemistry of Black: What Colors Make Black Tattoo Ink
The color pigments of tattoo ink are quite fascinating. Newbie tattoo artists and many who wish to get tattooed wonder what color combination creates which color, shading, etc. Black tattoo ink is one of the most commonly used tattoo ink. So getting curious about what colors make black ink is normal.
Black is a magical and mysterious color. Most tattoo lovers get at least one black tattoo in general. It is a very common color yet the color never appears to be boring or outdated. Every time you see a fine black tattoo you will surely appreciate it. And the colors that make black tattoo ink are not so simple either. It may take various colors to make a specific shade of black. So, you could say it is a bit complex to understand what colors would you require to get the perfect black tattoo ink. In this piece, I will be elaborating on this matter and explaining every little detail you need to know regarding black tattoo ink.
Key Takeaways
- Yellow, blue, and red color ink when equally mixed can make black tattoo ink.
- There are many types of black tattoo ink such as carbon-based black ink, iron oxide-based black ink, organic and vegan black ink, logwood-based black ink, hybrid black ink, etc.
- There are many reasons to use black tattoo ink such as timeless and classic, bold and versatile, enhances details, longevity and fading resistance, works with any skin tone, expresses emotions and meanings, etc.
- To take care of your black tattoo you can wash it with gentle soap, apply moisturizer, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, etc.
Now, if you’ve ever wondered how tattoo artists achieve that deep, rich black hue in their designs, you might be surprised to learn that it’s not as straightforward as grabbing a bottle labeled “black” and calling it a day. I am afraid there is more to it than that. The secret behind black tattoo ink lies in the artful combination of different pigments. While it may seem obvious, black ink is usually made by mixing a selection of vibrant colors rather than using a single black pigment. It’s like a secret recipe for the perfect shade of darkness! So, what colors do tattoo artists mix to create black ink?
Common practice for black tattoo ink
Well, the most common practice involves combining various shades of blue, purple, and green. Crazy, right? These colors might not scream “black” to you at first, but when they blend together in just the right proportions, they create that deep, inky goodness we associate with black tattoos.
Why blues, purples, and greens, you ask? Well, it’s all about how light interacts with pigments. Without getting too technical, black ink needs to absorb light rather than reflect it back, which is what gives it that dark, opaque appearance. Blues, purples, and greens have the ability to absorb light, making them excellent candidates for creating black when mixed together.
Personal blends and formulas for black tattoo ink
Let us say a tattoo artist takes a dash of blue, a pinch of purple, and a hint of green, and expertly combines them to form a magical concoction. They’ll tweak the ratios, add a little of this and a little of that until they achieve that perfect shade of black. It’s like watching an alchemist at work!
But remember, not all tattoo artists mix their black ink the same way. Some might have their own secret formulas, carefully guarded like ancient treasures. They might experiment with different hues and variations to achieve a black that matches their artistic vision. Tattooing is an art form, after all, and artists love to put their own spin on things.
The complexity of mixing colors to make black tattoo ink
Now, before you rush off to start experimenting with your own ink-mixing adventures, there’s something important to note. Tattoo ink mixing is a skill that takes time, practice, and knowledge. It’s not something you should dabble in without understanding the pigments and their interactions. So, if you are someone wanting to get inked, try to explain what shade of black you want and let your tattoo artist do their thing to create your preferred black shade ink. And if you are a newbie tattoo artist, then ask your mentor and learn the techniques to make perfect back tattoo ink before you venture on your own and start tattooing with the ink you made.
6 Types of Black Tattoo Ink
When it comes to black tattoo ink, it’s not just a one-size-fits-all situation. The world of tattooing offers a variety of black inks, each with its own unique characteristics, composition, and purpose. In the previous portion, I have explained what colors you will need to mix to create your preferred black tattoo ink. Now, I will shed some light on the types of black tattoo ink so that you can have a better understanding of this ink color.
1. Carbon-based black ink
Carbon-based black ink is a classic choice and a staple in the tattoo industry. You can hardly find any tattoo studio that does not use carbon black for tattooing. This carbon-based black ink is made from burning petroleum or natural gas. This type of ink provides a solid, deep black color that stands the test of time. If you are worried about color fading then go with carbon-based black ink as it lasts the longest without any sign of fading. Because carbon-based black ink is known for its longevity and resistance to fading, tattoo artists prefer to use it for outlining and bold, solid areas in tattoo designs.
2. Iron oxide-based black ink
Iron oxide-based black ink, also known as traditional black ink, has been used for centuries in tattooing. It’s made from a mixture of iron oxide and other components. This type of ink produces a rich, dark black color and is commonly used for shading and filling in large areas of a tattoo. Now keep in mind, this iron oxide black ink has a slightly greenish hue, so if it is not your thing you can avoid using any iron oxide-based black ink. Iron oxide-based inks are known for their durability and ability to heal well on the skin.
3. Organic and vegan black ink
For those who prefer organic and vegan options, there are black inks available that meet these criteria. These inks are typically made from plant-based pigments and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. So, if you are vegan and prefer vegan products then organic black ink could be the right choice for you. Organic and vegan black inks offer a sustainable and ethical choice for individuals conscious of their environmental impact and personal preferences.
4. Logwood-based black ink
Logwood black is also quite popular as it can provide with fine black color for tattoo ink. It is made of logwood and hardwood tree components. But you should be aware of the fact that logwood-based black ink has a very light purple hue to it. And the back color ink you get from logwood is not quite deep. It is relatively light black. So naturally this ink color will fade a bit faster compared to other black inks. If you use logwood-based black ink, make sure to take extra care of your tattoo, do not expose it to direct sunlight, and consider getting a re-touch every few years.
5. Hybrid black inks
Hybrid black inks have gained popularity in recent years. These inks combine different types of pigments and additives to offer a unique blend of qualities. Hybrid inks may incorporate carbon-based, iron oxide-based, or other pigments to achieve specific effects such as enhanced shading, smoother gradients, or increased color intensity. Tattoo artists appreciate the versatility and customizability that hybrid black inks bring to their work.
6. UV/Blacklight-reactive black ink
UV or blacklight-reactive black ink adds a touch of excitement to tattoos. It can provide a breath of fresh air. This type of ink appears invisible under normal lighting conditions but glows under ultraviolet or black light. It creates a captivating effect and is often used for hidden or special elements in tattoo designs. UV black ink can be combined with other colors to create stunning visual surprises that come to life under the right lighting.
Black Ink
Black ink is the most popular color used in tattooing. It is also the easiest color to work with for artists. It can be made from a variety of different colors, but the most common colors used are carbon black and logwood.
People tend to get black tattoos for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a way to show their strength and power. For others, it is a way to memorialize someone they have lost. Whatever the reason, black tattoos are beautiful and meaningful works of art.
If you are considering getting a black tattoo, there are a few things you should know. First, black ink will fade over time. This is due to the fact that black is not a very stable color. Second, it can be tricky to work with. This is because it is so dense and has such a high concentration of pigment. Third, black tattoos can be more painful than other colors because the ink does not absorb into the skin as well as other colors.
Types of black ink
The first thing you need to know is that not all black inks are created equal. There are actually a few diverse types of ink, each with its own unique properties. The three most common types of black tattoo ink are carbon black, logwood black, and iron oxide black.
Carbon black is the most frequently used. It’s made from soot and it’s known for being very dense and opaque. Carbon black is also the least likely to fade over time. Carbon black is a fine powder that is created by burning natural gas or petroleum. It is then ground down into a very fine pigment that can be used for tattooing.
Logwood black is another popular type of black tattoo ink. It’s made from the heartwood of the logwood tree, and it has a slightly purple hue to it. Logwood Black is less dense than carbon black, so it tends to fade a bit more over time. Logwood is a dark brown wood that has been burned and ground down into a pigment. This type of black ink will often fade over time, so it’s critical to find an artist that understands how to properly care for their designs.
Iron oxide black is the third most common type of this ink. It’s made from iron oxide, and it has a slightly greenish hue to it. Iron oxide black is the lightest of the three blacks, so it fades the fastest over time.
If you’re looking for a tattoo that will stand the test of time, carbon black is your best bet. But if you’re looking for a tattoo with a little bit more personality, logwood black or iron oxide black might be better suited for you.
Keep in mind that no matter what type you choose, it’s important to have your tattoo touched up every few years to keep it looking its best.
What tattoo ink colors make black?
You can make black paint by mixing together an equal amount of red, yellow, and blue paint on a palette. Theoretically, any tattoo ink color can be mixed to create black tattoo ink. However, the most commonly used colors are carbon black and logwood. [1]
Most commonly, carbon black is used on its own to create a true black shade. However, some artists will mix carbon black with other colors to create different shades of gray or even a deep blue-black color.
Logwood is another common ingredient. It’s a dark purple hue that can be mixed with other colors to create a variety of shades, from light gray to almost pitch-black.
Iron oxide is usually added to either carbon black or logwood to create a deep, dark black shade.
When mixed together, these colors create a tattoo ink that is perfect for creating beautiful works of art on the skin.
Instructions
Now that you know what colors make black tattoo ink, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Pick up a bottle of carbon black ink and start mixing it with other colors to create your own unique shades of black.
Experiment with different ratios of carbon black to logwood or iron oxide until you find a shade that you’re happy with.
Mix ashes into your tattoo ink to create a smoky black shade, or add a drop of blue food coloring to create a midnight-blue hue.
Then add vodka to make your tattoo ink thinner and easier to work with.
Remember, the key to creating beautiful ink is experimentation. So get creative and have fun! [2]
Discard any leftover tattoo ink.
