Stick and Poke Ink Alternatives | Can you do Sick and Poke with Pen Ink?

If you have also been planning to look for Stick and Poke ink alternatives, you are going to love this article for sure! Why? Well, we have some of the best DIY explanations for Stick and Poke ink alternatives, tips, tricks, effects, after-effects, and everything that your mind is rolling at!

Have you taken the decision to go ahead with this or is your mind confusing you with the risks associated? Allow us to help you with all the doubts so that you can confidently come to one conclusion.

Find out your objective of leaving the traditional tattoo styles and switching to the alternatives. Are you one of the following freaks?

  • Pain-Taker
  • Passionate Freak
  • Trendsetter
  • Mr. Doodle?
  • Attention Seeker
  • Out of the Box Thinker
  • DIY Dude
  • You are a Tattoo Expert Yourself
  • Freak for Creativity

If you fall in any of the above categories, then landing on this page is the end of the treasure hunt for you as we have all the information stored for you in this article. Let’s get started with some of the most talked-about and searched topics.

Can you do stick and poke with pen ink?

Although some people have tried to do so, we recommend avoiding it. It should be the last thing you must try as pen inks are not as consistent as tattoo inks. Moreover, they also fade faster than you think.

It is a good option for those who don’t wish for a permanent tattoo or may want to shift between designs. To share another fact, most people have experienced it just like a scar or scab up thing.

If you are still planning to experiment with it, go ahead but make sure you do not use a used or old ink. The only two ways of getting a tattoo done are either by a gun or stick method or poking tattoos with the support of a hand.

Those who fall in the above categories enjoy experiencing the art of sticking and poking too. We suggest you read all the pros and cons well before you think of trying it on yourself.

India ink is one of the most recommended for stick and poke technique. Don’t ask us about any other ink brand as this is what we found with deep research and tattoo experts’ experiences.

Pen ink is not sterile and thus can be highly toxic on the skin.  We suggest you choose a non-toxic ink that has lesser chances of infection or allergies.

One more advantage of buying India ink is that these easily available online and are very cheap to buy! It doesn’t mean that these are best compared to tattoo inks.

What happens if you use pen ink for a tattoo?

Stick and Poke methods also refer to homemade tattoo techniques by some DIY experts. In some places, these are allowed only if those are practiced by professionals.

These are alternatives and modern versions of tattoo methods.

Before we give you the answer on the after-effects of using pen ink for a tattoo, it would be wise for you to check the tools needed for this DIY tattoo art.

What do you need for basic Stick and Poke?

  • Needle
  • Ink
  • Thread (optional) and,
  • Of course, your skin!

We will discuss the method later, but for now, let’s get back to your question on what happens if you use pen ink to get a tattoo:

Pen ink is not manufactured in a sterilized environment and so it is highly likely that these inks are not sterile.

Poking with hands into the skin itself can be painful and may lead to tissue damage.

Moreover, using a highly toxic pen ink will further result in various infections and skin allergies that you are not prepared for.

It is one of these reasons why people prefer non-toxic India ink if they have to try this method. India ink is also known for its natural and carbon-based properties. Thus, these are considered to be safe than other inks (only for Stick and Poke).

You can check few recommendations below:

How long do stick and poke tattoos last with pen ink?

We have different skin types and thus no tattoo expert or DIY expert will tell you about a perfect period of when your stick and poke tattoo will last.

Tattoos take their course of time to heal and fade depending on the skin type and the same is applicable with pen ink too.

On average, stick and poke tattoos with pen ink will stick with you anywhere between 5 to 10 years. The lifespan of this ink also depends on how sincerely you take its care.

You need to remember, if you take proper care of pen inked tattoos you may be able to increase their lifespan but, these are temporary. Most have also shared that these look washed out and shabby on fading out.

Tattoo areas for stick and poke with pen ink

Tattoos made on the areas like hands and fingers fade sooner as these are most exposed to soaps and sunlight. You may still enjoy longer life of stick and poke tattoos done on upper arms and chest with pen ink.

Amateurs tattoo artists who practice stick and poke tattoos with pen ink will have shorter lifespan. It could be due to lack of proper knowledge of poking the needle.

Some experienced tattoo artists or DIY experts have also expressed that if professionally poked deep in the skin, the pen ink can be permanent and only laser removal will help to remove the same. For that, you would need to check with your tattoo artist on pen ink.

Can you use Bic pen ink for a stick and poke?

Bic pen ink is nothing but regular ballpoint ink. Although some have claimed that it stayed well but you may do this at your risk. We will still stick to India ink for DIY tattoos.

You will be relieved to know that the package on the Bic Pen ink states non-toxic. Thus, if you compare it with non-sterile pen ink, you can say that the latter is safe.

Do keep in mind that pen inks are not great alternatives to tattoo inks. People who are not willing to take risks would still stick around with tattoo inks. Also, no matter what ink you choose, pen ink tattoos are not permanent.

That’s one flaw to live with these! Tattoo experts will never suggest you go for this as they know different bodies react differently so you never know how yours will react to Bic ink!

Can you do stick and poke with eyeliner?

Eyeliner tattoos have also been referred to as permanent tattoos by some. These are not new techniques but have been there for ages. Various tattoo artists and DIY experts have mastered this art to achieve natural results.

The reason why we are sharing the basics of eyeliner tattoos is that you have no further doubts related to this trick.

Your tattoo expert just needs one appointment for this and you will have perfect eyeliner tattoos. Coming back to our recommendation, as we stated we will stick to India ink only.

Some people have complained of falling ill after the stick and poke with the eyeliner method.

Asking an expert who has been playing with various tattoo inks for years, his answer would be YES!

According to professional tattoo experts, you can get inked with any type of ink provided you are prepared for its results.

Not all tattoo inks will give you desired results. If you compare eyeliner ink with tattoo inks, the former is not as dense or thick as the latter. Thus, your tattoo design may fade sooner than you imagined.

Can you use food color for a stick and poke?

Glad, at least food colors are not toxic! These are considered to be still safe to try. All you need to do is simply add some food coloring to your tattoo mixture.

You will need to learn the quantity else the mixture will be too strong. The best part is even these are available easily online or at local stores just like India ink.

Once again, if you are looking for Tattoo ink that lasts forever with you, this would not be the right choice.

You must also know that tattoo inks are permitted and passed by the U.S. Food and Drug authorities, and so you may have to find out the legality of the food ink you choose.

It doesn’t matter how you do it with stick and poke; what matters is who does it on you! Please connect with a professional hand poke tattoo artist only and ensure he is licensed to practice this method.

How to stick and poke at home?

The excitement of thing something new keeps increasing in your mind, is it? Let us help you satisfy the cravings by giving you some tips on how to do homemade stick and poke tattoos.

Before you try these tips and tricks, please ensure that you follow the rules:

  • You are 18 plus years old as per the tattoo legal age.
  • Stick and poke can be dangerous if failed, so you will do this under supervision.
  • Avoid taking shortcuts.
  • Avoid choosing substitutes on your own.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before experimenting with the stick and poke method.
  • Wear sterile gloves all the time; while making the homemade ink, performing the tattoo, and completing the process.
  • You read the instructions well that come along on the stick and poke tattoo kits.
  • Follow the instructions strictly on the quantity and number of ingredients.

Items Required:

  • Sterile needle
  • Dental floss (optional if you are choosing a sewing needle instead of a sterile tattoo needle)
  • Ink (you may choose ink as per your preference such as pen ink, Bic pen ink, eyeliner ink, India ink, etc…)
  • Ink cups
  • Razor to remove hair
  • Medical or sterilized gloves
  • Rubbing alcohol swabs
  • Paper towels
  • Makeup remover or hygienic tattoo wipe pads

Step by Step Process to stick and poke at home

  • Clean the surface with a disinfectant
  • Wear hand gloves after washing them with soap.
  • Spread paper towels or a medical tray to keep the tools in a hygienic condition.
  • Use a longer handle to attach your needle to get better control of your hands.
  • Heat the tip of your needle. (Use a lighted matchstick on the needle tip for 10 to 15 seconds).
  • Clean your tattoo skin area with an alcohol swab.
  • Draw the design at first with a ballpoint pen.
  • Dip the needle tip in the ink and ensure that it is not dripping.
  • Start applying on the rough pen design.
  • While poking the needle, the skin is likely to bleed which is normal. However, do not let the skin over bleed.
  • Keep reloading your needle with ink when you feel so.
  • After completing the tattoo, wipe your skin gently with tap water and gentle soap.
  • Apply antibacterial lotion or moisturizer.
  • Dispose of the needle and use a new one in the future.
  • Tattoos must take their course for healing.
  • You may follow the same process of aftercare precautions as you do with a regular tattoo.

You may also check some ready Stick and Poke tattoo kit recommendations below:

Final Words:

We know you cannot wait any longer to try to stick and poke on you. Get someone experienced with you so that there are no blunders and you have a helping hand too. We are eager to see those tattoo pictures from you. All the best with the creativity!