Q&A for How to Create Prison Tattoo Ink

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Can I use normal pen ink?

Community Answer

No, you cannot use normal pen ink as it can poison you if it gets into your blood stream.

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Question

Is there a way to make a tattoo needle?

Community Answer

To make a tattoo needle, start with a pencil. Put a needle on the side of the pencil and wrap a thin string around it. (A lot of string.) Make sure that the string goes near the tip of the needle, but not too close. The string is used to hold extra ink so that you don't have to keep going back to the ink cup.

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Question

Do I need baby oil and shampoo, or could I just use soot and water?

Community Answer

You don't necessarily need the shampoo, but the baby oil is required to turn the soot into ink.

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Question

Can normal pen ink work?

Community Answer

You'll run the risk of an infection, or having a very bad-looking piece of art.

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Question

What kind of ink can I use for at home tattooing?

Community Answer

You can use waterproof Black India ink from a local craft store. It comes in a small glass bottle with a dropper built into the lid. Thicken it up with ashes to desired consistency and start scratching.

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Question

Does the "soot collector" have to be metal?

Community Answer

Not necessarily, but it has to be able to withstand fire, so it can't be anything like plastic.

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Question

What kind of shampoo can I use?

Community Answer

You don't absolutely need shampoo, but the clearest and simplest you can find would be best.

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Question

Other inmates have been burning their ramen for like 9 minutes. Could this be to get ash for ink?

Community Answer

When I was in prison I did this by burning the ramen and mixing the ink with baby oil. It didn't work that well, though, so I wouldn't recommend this method.

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Question

Can I thicken India ink with baby oil?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

Will it be permanent?

Community Answer

No, it is not professionally done so it will fade pretty quickly, especially if it's on a place you wash frequently like your hands.

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Question

Is there anything else I can use other than baby oil?

Community Answer

In the past, I have always used hair food. It's pretty much hair grease. You can find it at a local beauty supply store.

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Question

Can I use the soot from the flame of a lighter for the ink?

Community Answer

No, I wouldn't recommend doing this. Even if you mixed it with water, it wouldn't last long.

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Question

How do I know if I made the ink right?

Community Answer

If it's black and it's thick, like the consistency of hair dye, it should work just fine.

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Question

Is shampoo toxic for tattoo ink?

Community Answer

No, it is not toxic for it but you should consult with your tattoo artist to see what you should use instead of shampoo.

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Question

If I have the soot, can I use Vaseline in the mixture instead of baby oil?

Community Answer

Yes! It works just as well, it just needs to be oily/petroleum-based.

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Question

Can I use crushed up graphite mixed with water as an ink for the tattoo?

Community Answer

No, just use carbon soot as pigment, or buy a bottle of tattoo ink.

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Question

How do we make permanent tattoos with common materials?

Velana Valdez

Community Answer

I don't recommend permanent tattoos. Use inkbox. It lasts 2-4 weeks and looks really cool.

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