Things to Consider About UV Reactive (Blacklight) Tattoo Ink

 

Skincandy, the only well-known brand I could find.

While the novelty of "blacklight" tattoos seems to have had its day, it remains and option some tattoo collectors consider. For many, it is a conservative alternative to the traditional tattoo; under normal light the tattoo is supposed to be invisible, but under UV light the tattoo glows. This means that one might safely have their arms exposed or neck tattooed while at work or around family where having a tattoo might be inconvenient, but have an obvious tattoo that stands out when at a nightclub.

 This, however, may not be the case. During the tattoo healing process, which can last for months (two-weeks being the common amount of time that needs to pass before a tattoo is healed enough to be touched-up), a UV reactive ink tattoo will have the same potential redness from irritation as a regular tattoo (without the benefit of there being an obvious tattoo to explain the irritation). There is an equal chance of minor scaring or raised skin for a UV reactive tattoo, more so if the artist is inexperienced with working with UV reactive ink. After the tattoo is fully healed, the UV reactive ink in the skin may take on a brownish hue. While typically not dark enough to be noticed from a distance, the tattoo may be visible under regular light to those in close proximity. Colored UV reactive tattoo ink often appears washed-out in regular light, and can also take on a rusty hue in time.

Note the visibility in regular light.

 When selecting the location of your UV ink tattoo, it may be wise to pick a spot that can be easily covered if one has concerns about the tattoo being seen.

 You should expect to pay more for a UV reactive tattoo. UV reactive tattoos are not frequently requested, requiring a tattooer to purchase the more expensive ink specifically for your tattoo (and with a high likelihood that the ink will expire before another client asks for a UV reactive tattoo). The set-up for the tattoo requires the introduction of specific equipment; a UV lamp, in order to see the progress of the tattoo. The tattoo process will also take longer, as the added step of checking line work and the effectiveness of fill and shading require turning on the UV lamp to inspect the work. The tattooer will work in regular light in order to see the tattoo stencil and the needle during the tattoo application. There is also a greater likelihood of the tattoo requiring a touch-up. All of these factors can lead to a UV reactive tattoo costing twice as much as a tattoo using conventional inks.  

 The ink itself may also be a point of concern. A collector needs to be aware that tattoo-ink standards are maintained by the industry itself, not any government regulating body. The only cases in which the FDA has ruled on the use of inks is in the tattooing of food-animals, and in those cases the inks used must be safe for human consumption. This lack of regulation has the benefit of keeping the price of inks (and therefore tattoos) lower than they would be with regulation, but it also means that you, as the collector, need to be confident about what is going into your skin. The chemicals used to make the ink glow, such as phosphor (typically a copper or silver activated zinc-sulfide) can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Insist that your artist use a brand that has a solid reputation for safety and consistency in the industry, and if you are unsure about the ink your tattooer wants to use, ask around. 

This white-ink tattoo shows how UV ink may look  healed.

 Shopping three currently popular tattoo ink brands; Eternal, Fusion, and Intenze, I found that none offer UV reactive inks. Of the companies I did find, Skincandy was the only brand name I recognized. Please be aware that this is not a recommendation or endorsement of their product. 

 The final point of consideration with UV reactive tattoo inks is that they have not been in use long enough to know all the potential long-term hazards. While there is nothing at this time to suggest any long-term risk, we simply do not have the amount of data regarding the UV reactive inks as we do other inks with which we in the industry can be confident about. With UV reactive ink, it is even more imperative that the tattoo collector be aware that they are signing a waiver absolving their tattooer and tattoo shop of responsibility when getting a tattoo. The UV reactivity of the ink may only last for a few years or less, but may still have an unforeseen impact in the future.  

 While the point is often re-iterated in my articles about tattooing, it is worth repeating: think before you ink.

 Jason Sorrell is a writer, tattoo artist, satirist, artist, and generally nice guy living in Austin, TX.  He loves answering questions about tattoos.  Shoot him a message at https://www.facebook.com/tattoonerdz/

2015 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival Opening Party (Day One)

 There is nothing quite like a tattoo convention.  Studios, artists, suppliers, vendors, and entertainers from all over the world set-up to show their collective stuff to the public and to share what they do with the industry.  The biggest conventions, like the Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival, draw international crowds, giving local artists an opportunity to rub elbows with the best in the industry and make their mark (literally).  The Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival is an annual event in Austin, usually scheduled in January for one weekend.  Most years I manage to visit for one day, often on a run to score a deal on tattoo-ink sets and other supplies while checking out the latest innovations in the industry.  This year, one of my daughters gave me a weekend-pass as a Christmas present, so I will be going every day and taking in as many of the events as possible.

 The first day starts with many of the studios and vendors setting up Friday evening, and an opening party hosted by a local tattoo studio.  This year, the opening party was hosted by Black Dagger Tattoo, and held at The Badlands Bar with an art show at the Romani Gallery, both located near the intersection of East 12th St. and Chicon.  The doors opened at 8:30pm, and your intrepid tattoo-reporter arrived fashionably late at 9:30.

 When I arrived, the place was packed.  Visitors from far-off lands like Chicago and Utah were all abuzz about the art that was inside and the events planned for the weekend.  This was a small taste of things to come.

 The Romani Gallery is a wonderful, intimate space that had kindly donated its walls to show some of the best tattoo-art from the convention participants.  The artists appear to have participated in a round-robin type project where each of them was assigned to create a piece of original work for another participating artist.  None of the artists new who drew their name, only who they were making a piece for.  This was a wonderful way to get the creative juices flowing, resulting in some amazing work.

 American Traditional style was dominant throughout the show, indicative not only of the kind of work that is popular in Austin, but according to one visitor from out of town just about everywhere.  Almost every artist put their own creative-spin on this time-time honored style, mixing Western and Science Fiction themes, expressing spiritual concepts, or going for a little weirdness.  There were also a few beautifully rendered Traditional Japanese pieces, offering an interesting point of contrast to much of the rest of the show.  Prints and drinks were available for purchase, and everyone seemed impressed and excited with what they saw.

 One of the things I love about that tattoo community is that collectors all seem to have a natural bond, and a certain irreverence.  It was on full-display at the party, and everyone had a great time.  If you missed it, plan on going with some of your friends next year.  More to come from the convention tomorrow!

Jason Sorrell is a writer, tattoo artist, satirist, artist, and generally nice guy living in Austin, TX.  He loves answering questions about tattoos.  Shoot him a message at https://www.facebook.com/tattoonerdz/