Why is my tattoo needle not putting out ink?

Author: Kyle Kertzmann  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Blockages in the needle or tube are among the most common reasons why ink does not flow properly. The path that the ink goes through may get obstructed by debris or dried ink over time. This may occur if the ink is left to dry inside the needle or tube, or if the machine is not thoroughly cleaned after every use.

Why isn't my tattoo needle picking up ink?

One cause of ink not going in is: Needle is set too far out for that viscosity ink. The tip is the reservoir for the ink. Surface tension holds the ink in the tip and on an object (the needle cluster). You notice that when you prepare to work the ink does not dribble out the end.

What to do if a tattoo is rejecting ink?

You should consult a doctor or tattoo artist if you notice early signs of infection or an allergic reaction to your tattoo. Prompt attention to these issues can prevent complications and ensure your tattoo heals properly.

Why is the ink not staying when I tattoo?

A patchy tattoo could be the result of bad technique; if the artist hasn't made sure the ink is deep enough to stay put. It could also be due to them not 'packing' the ink enough; certain ink colours, or areas of concentrated black, often need to be packed in quite a lot in order to create a solid area of colour.

Why is ink still coming off my tattoo?

If you're finding excessive amounts of color coming off as your tattoo heals, it's possible that the ink wasn't deep enough the first time. You may be looking at a touch-up, but those are fairly common. Should you keep a peeling tattoo covered? After the first day or so, you want your tattoo to be able to breathe.

How do you know if your skin is rejecting tattoo ink?

Is it normal for a tattoo to not bleed ink?

Many times, the ink will remain contained in the scabs. However, there are times when you will spot some ink bleeding. If you notice this with your skin, it is a good sign that the tattoo is on the right path to recovery. Not all tattoos will bleed.

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.

Why is my ink not flowing?

The most common cause for this is infrequent usage. If your printer is not used on a regular basis, at least once a week, the cartridge can dry up and then become clogged as a result. This can be reduced by printing more frequently or running regular cleans and ink tests to ensure the nozzles remain clean.

Why is the ink not staying in my stick and poke?

When it comes to stick and poke tattoos, the trickiest part is finding the balance between poking deep enough but not too deep. If you poke too shallow, the ink won't go far enough into the skin, which will cause your tattoo to fade more quickly. On the other hand if you poke too deep, you'll cause a blowout.

What happens if you don't stretch the skin while tattooing?

Realistically, I run with a two or three point stretch. and this works for me on most of the easier areas on the body. If you don't stretch the skin enough, the needle will bounce off the surface of the skin. rather than penetrating the skin, and then you'll be left with a line that's just undersaturated.

Why is there no ink under my tattoo scab?

Tattoos tend to peel without any ink underneath as they heal normally. In rare cases, they can have missing ink due to an artist's error. Peeling tattoos with missing ink aren't usually anything to worry about. It's normal for a tattoo to peel and lose a little bit of ink as your skin heals.

Will sleeping on a tattoo ruin it?

Although it is crucial to look after your tattoo and get plenty of rest, avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo. Pressure can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

Why is my tattoo ink not penetrating?

Incorrect Speed Settings

The ink may not have enough time to fully penetrate the skin if the machine is set too quickly. For instance, you might get uneven lines or areas of skin with no ink at all if you're trying to draw solid lines with the machine moving too quickly.So learn how to set your speed is essential.

Why is my skin not taking tattoo ink?

Did you know that certain skin may react to tattoo ink due to an allergic reaction? Some clients may unknowingly have a pigment allergy, causing their skin to inflame and push the ink out. It's no surprise then that these tattoos appear faded or patchy.

How to know if a tattoo isn't deep enough?

In addition, any bleeding that occurs when the needle leaves the skin and the ink is drawn in will push some of the ink out. If the ink is too light under the skin, all of the color will be removed before the tattoo heal, the faded tattoo will disappear quickly. Beneath the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue.

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