What to do if my tattoo is leaking ink?

Author: Meaghan Ondricka  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

For the most part, there's only a certain amount of ink the body can handle. The leak will stop by itself within a matter of days, so there are no causes for concern. It's also important for the area of the tattoo to stay dry and clean at all times.

Is it normal for a tattoo to leak ink?

Monitor leaking ink and fluids: It's normal for some ink and fluids to leak from the tattooed area for a few days (2 -3 days). If this continues longer than 4 days, something is interfering with the healing process.

Should I wash an oozing tattoo?

Cleaning Your Tattoo After the First Week

Get into a solid tattoo care routine with the right products on hand for every stage of the healing process. After a week or when oozing has stopped, switch to a gentle soap and wash twice daily.

What to do when ink is leaking?

What should I do if ink is leaking?
  1. Remove the Cartridge:
  2. Protect Your Hands:
  3. Clean the Machine:
  4. Inspect the Cartridge:
  5. Replace the Cartridge:
  6. Properly dispose of the leaking cartridge:

How to stop a tattoo from oozing?

Leaking Plasma During The Healing Time

Your body is recognizing an open wound and trying to close it off with white blood cells and lymph. Always wash your tattoo gently, blot dry, and air out prior to adding more ointment. You only need a little bit a few times a day.

How to PROPERLY USE Saniderm on a NEW tattoo (ft. instructions from a representative)

Should I cover a weeping tattoo?

Your body excreting plasma and “weeping” is a completely normal beginning to the tattoo healing process. However, excessive weeping may negatively affect the adhesion of the bandage. If you are experiencing excessive weeping, you will simply need to clean the tattooed area more often than normal.

What to do if your tattoo is pussing?

Severe Infections

Mild skin irritation is typical with tattoos. However, seek medical care if you experience signs of infection at the tattoo site (e.g., pus, rash, worsening redness, or swelling).

What to do if ink is too watery?

I blow through the section, then across the feed to get all the water out of the fins. Then, if using a vac or piston, I push a bit of ink through to the nib, then dab and scribble until it's all good again.

How many days will my tattoo ooze?

'Oozing/Weeping' - which is typical for the first day or so. Sometimes this can last for up to 3-4 days after being tattooed, depending on the size, colour and location. However this length of time is mainly for large and heavy pieces. You can anticipate this is typically only for the first 1-2 days.

How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

Is it better to heal a tattoo wet or dry?

Wet Healing Is the Way To Go

It's just as effective for tattoos as it is for injuries. If you let your tattoo dry out during the healing process, you may end up doing more harm than good. Make sure you stay on top of the aftercare process for about six weeks after your session.

Why is my ink coming out of my tattoo?

It is quite common for ink to leak from the tattoo the day after it was inked. This suggests that everything is fine and your immune system is functioning normally.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

When to stop washing a tattoo?

Apply fragrance-free lotion after each wash to keep your tattoo moisturized. Wash your tattoo until it is fully healed, typically within 2 to 4 weeks. Proper washing does not fade tattoos; it helps prevent infections and promotes healing.

Does tattoo ink leak out?

For the most part, there's only a certain amount of ink the body can handle. The leak will stop by itself within a matter of days, so there are no causes for concern. It's also important for the area of the tattoo to stay dry and clean at all times.

How do you fix an ink leak?

Clean the contacts

If the contacts between the cartridge and the printer are dirty or clogged, there is a high chance that this can be the main cause for the ink to leak on the paper. To properly clean the contacts, open the printing machine and remove the ink cartridges and place them on a clean piece of paper.

Why is my tattoo ink watery?

For example, tattoo ink can become too thin when too much alcohol is added to the formula, or the ink's color will fade after just a few years if there's not enough pigment in the mix.

Should I wipe my leaking tattoo?

Wash your tattoo twice a day with warm water and mild soap, allowing the area to air-dry. Alternatively, you can pat-dry the area with a soft microfiber towel—never drag or wipe.

What to do if tattoo is oozing?

As long as the fluid still seems clear and the tattoo doesn't feel hot or look red, don't panic. Just ease up on whatever ointment you're using. You should only be adding a tiny amount of ointment, barely enough to give your tattoo a bit of a shine. This is a situation where "less is more."

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