Having a tattoo is the toughest decision of your life as it will stay with you until you live. Thus, the design has to come out neat. There are lots of queries on the web about how tattoo artists are so neat in their work and how their hands are so clean while performing the ink work.
The answer is: they do get dirty and the ink spreads on their hands and clothes too! It is also possible that the ink may spread on the tattoo area as well when they are performing the art on you.
However, there are ways to get rid of excess ink from the respective area. In this article, we shall discuss the various ways followed by tattoo artists to wipe off the unwanted/scattered tattoo ink.
What do tattoo artists use to wipe the ink off?
1. Green Soap
You may have noticed your tattoo artist applying green soapy water or soap gel on your skin before they begin the tattoo process. The user-friendly and environment-friendly green soap contains natural oils such as vegetable oils, lavender oil, and coconut oil.
It is one of the most common products at tattoo parlors. To share a fact, even the medical firms and piercing parlors use it to clean the skin.
We won’t discuss the reasons why it is used medically. Let’s get to the main topic of wiping off excess inks. The fact is the same green soap helps to remove the excess ink from your skin. By applying the soap the skin is also softened so that the process of the tattoo can begin smoothly.
Green soaps are also used to wipe off any ink from the stencil. Many times your tattoo artist may make a rough design on the stencil to see how it looks.
Before the final process begins, the designer will spray the green soap mixed with water to sterile the stencil and lay off any leftover ink from it. Thus, the spray water works great to remove any stains from the stencil, rough cloth, and skin.
Dos and Don’ts of Green Soap
- Be careful not to get green soap water in contact with your eyes.
- Avoid using at home unless you are a tattoo expert as lack of knowledge may lead to skin diseases.
- Always seek the advice of a tattoo expert before you think of using it.
- Ensure that you have your hand gloves on while using it.
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2. Other cosmetic solutions
There are other cosmetic solutions that the experts use to remove unwanted pigment from tattoo skin. Beware of using these are they contain strong chemicals and components that are well-versed by professionals only.
These are strictly meant for professional use and so you may find more of these at the tattoo parlors and not home.
These products have chemicals that can help remove the tattoo. Thus, the tattoo experts have the skills to apply these solutions only to the wanted tattoo ink and areas.
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What can you use at home to wipe off tattoo ink?
Two major alternatives to the green soap are Iodine and Hydrogen Peroxide. Let’s check these out and the ways they can help to remove excess tattoo ink stains.
1. Iodine
Iodine is one of the most effective chemicals to use tough tattoo ink stains. It also helps kill the germs, dirt, and bacteria lying on the surface of the skin. Be careful while using it as the reddish-brown color looks similar to the tattoo ink.
Steps to use iodine to remove excess tattoo ink:
- Wash the treated area with antibacterial soap
- Cover the tattoo design with a petroleum jelly
- Take iodine solution (5%) and dip in a cotton swab
- Gently rub only the ink that you wish to remove
- Repeat three times a day if needed
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide acts strongly in killing bacteria and removing all the unnecessary ink stains.
Here are quick steps on how to use it at home:
- Buy hydrogen peroxide from a trusted brand.
- Clean your area well with antibacterial soap or detergent where ink is scattered
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Vaseline and wrap the tattoo with a non-stick waterproof bandage.
- The tattoo must be covered properly either by a petroleum jelly so that the hydrogen peroxide doesn’t take off the tattoo design. You need to carefully dip a cotton swab in the same and remove the excess ink.
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3. Acetone
You can use acetone or a good nail paint remover to wipe off the excess ink. The basics guidelines are the same as explained above; you just have to replace the main ingredient with acetone. Be careful to protect your tattoo design always while wiping off excess ink.
You may either use an earbud or use it on areas where ink is scattered or has spread out. Or simply use a cotton ball for taking off the excess ink around the tattoo.
4. Distilled Water
Some tattoo artists use distilled water instead of green soap to wipe off excess ink. They don’t a chance with harsh chemicals and strong substances to avoid messing up with the tattoo.
5. Soapy water
You may also try washing your hands under running lukewarm water. While keeping your hands underwater, gently rub on the excess ink area an alcohol-free soap or mild skin-friendly soap. It helps to take away any excess blood, ink, and pigment.
6. Alcohol
For tough ink stains that are dried up, you may also try the alcohol method. Rub some alcohol on the cloth or skin where you find ink stains. Continue to rub until you see stains clearing out. Later, you need to wash the area and rinse it properly so that the cloth or skin is alcohol-free.
What you should not use to wipe tattoo ink off?
Just like there are things to support you in removing tattoo ink stains and excess ink, there are things you must avoid using too during the process. It is because not all DIYs are healthy. Unless you know the process well, you must avoid rubbing things on your skin.
Avoid fragrance-based soaps, strong alcohol, and excessive rubbing on the tattooed skin. If the stain is on the cloth, it is ok; however, rubbing on the skin can lead to skin infection and allergic reactions.
You must avoid anything harsh and strong on the skin. Using strong dyes or alcohol-cased components may lead to skin irritation while taking off the unwanted ink.
Final Comments:
Hope you are more confident in getting inked after reading this article. Don’t worry about the excess or unwanted ink spots; your tattoo artist is experienced and skilled to take care of them.
Just enjoy the flow and wait to flaunt the final results when everything gets settled. You can raise your queries and questions in the comments. Feel free to share anything with us about tattoos.
