Q: Can I store tattoo ink in a refrigerator? A: While refrigeration isn't typically necessary, storing inks in a cool environment can help maintain their quality. Avoid freezing, as it can damage the ink.
No, it is recommended that ink cartridges be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Fridges have low humidity which can dry out ink cartridges. The best place to store your printer ink is the back of your drawers or cupboards.
``First, never keep your tattoo ink in freezing conditions. If tattoo ink freezes, this will often result in the liquid tattoo pigment expanding and the bottle cracking or breaking which the bottles will have to be thrown out. The process of the liquid tattoo ink freezing can also compromise the quality and mixture.
Keep Inks in a Cool, Dark Place:
Store tattoo inks away from direct sunlight and heat sources in a cabinet or drawer. If you work in a hot climate, consider using an air-conditioned space.
Add a drop or two of Keep It Wet into your ink cap to prevent the ink from drying from evaporation. If your ink begins to dry out in the cap, refresh it with a drop or two of Keep It Wet. Keep It Wet is a multipurpose additive.
Increased Sensitivity The combination of cold and dry conditions increases skin sensitivity and irritation. This heightened sensitivity can make the tattoo more prone to damage and prolong the healing period.
Unopened Containers Typically, unopened containers of tattoo ink have a shelf life of 2-3 years from the manufacturing date if stored correctly. Always check the expiration date provided by the manufacturer. Opened Containers Once opened, tattoo inks generally have a shelf life of 12 months.
Shaking for 30 seconds makes sure that all of the concentrated pigment at the bottom, is coming up and churning and mixing with all of the liquefiers. This process allows your pigment to be fully concentrated and that is what we want and need to get optimum healed results.
In the context of storage, ink packaging will state the optimal storage temperature to prolong shelf life. Although these numbers will vary based on the formulation, one can expect a shelf life of about 12-15 months if the ink is properly stored at the specified temperature range (generally around 35°F to 95°F).
Ink of ink cartridges have chemicals similar to the components of anti-freeze. Cold temperatures will not affect ink quality or print quality. If ink cartridges are frozen, simply warm it up and dry its case. Condensation from frozen ink cartridges can cause damage to the printer.
Store in a cool and dry location
A cool, dry location that's maintained at room temperature is always preferable when it comes to storing your printer's ink supply, as minimal exposure to harsh temperatures will keep the ink in your unused cartridges at a regular consistency.
It's also vital to store your tattoo ink in a place that's out of direct sunlight. Prolonged contact with the sun's rays heats up your ink and causes the water within it to evaporate. This makes your products likely to dry out, ruining them and forcing you to spend your hard-earned money on more.
Once you're sure you've found a professional tattoo artist, the next best way to prevent blowout is to follow aftercare directions closely and pay attention to your ink during the healing process. Make sure you're cleaning your tattoo twice a day and keeping it moist until it's fully healed, at least two weeks.
Separation: Especially when it comes to inks with natural powder pigments, some separation of the pigments from the liquid is normal. In fact, at Quantum we say, “Best when shaken…just like a martini.” However, when the separation becomes so severe that shaking doesn't fix it, the ink has likely gone bad.
A: Yes, air conditioning can dry out the air in a room and potentially lead to skin dryness. This may be particularly concerning for those with fresh tattoos, as dry skin can hinder the healing process and cause irritation.
If some swelling/redness is present the day after your tattoo, and it is uncomfortable or bothering you, it is appropriate to use ice (20 minutes) and/or an NSAID (ibuprofen, Advil, aleve, naproxen) to help bring the swelling down.
Your skin looks or feels irritated.
If you notice clogged pores around your tattoo, there's a chance you've applied too much lotion. Cutting back on moisturizer might fix this issue, but it's also important to make sure you aren't developing an infection.
Diluting your tattoo ink with distilled water is a great way to add dimension in your pieces that require shading. It's also great for clients who like the more washed out, gray look in their fine line tattoos!
The American Academy of Dermatology says petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade. They recommend using water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead. But why? Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments may trap moisture and bacteria on top of a new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection.
Stretching and extending your body can rub or pull on the skin, thereby derailing the healing process. Excessive sweating while exercising can break down and fade the ink, as well as potentially lead to irritation and infection.