The simple answer to your question that whether we can tattoo over pen ink is, YES! But several conditions are required to be followed and kept in mind before beginning the procedure of getting the tattoo over pen ink.
Before understanding this concept, you must understand the difference between tattoo ink and pen ink. A tattoo ink is purely made of certain compounds which can be easily used on the surface of the skin.
Tattoo ink is only made for tattooing while pen ink consists of several chemical mixes and substances that are potentially harmful to your skin.
Most tattoo artists around the world use stencils to draw permanent tattoos over the skin, but there are some artists who prefer to tattoo using sharpies or ballpoint pens.
One of the safest and most common sharpie pens that can be used on the skin is the “Fine Point Sharpie” which is made with compounds that are easy to use on the skin.
The other sharpies consist of a harmful chemical that can even cause organ damage. In case you are using an ink pen for the procedure, make sure that you use the sterilized ink pen to avoid the risk of infections or allergies.
Can you tattoo over pen ink?
Of course! Tattooing over pen ink is called freehand tattooing, and you can easily tattoo over pen ink. It is preferred by millions of tattoo artists around the world as it showcases their abilities in drawing as well as gives your tattoo a beautiful drawing effect.
Some artists prefer to go for both stencil and freehand methods to give your tattoo a unique and beautiful look. Make sure that the tattoo artist that you select for tattooing over the pen ink must use fine point sharpie pens or sterilized pens to draw the tattoo and also he/she should be well-versed with the freehand tattooing procedure.
A tattoo artist can use his/her creative skills to create designs based on the clients’ preferences by using this method. During the tattooing process, clients can also see what the tattoo artist is drawing on their bodies and give their input.
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Procedure
It is essential you choose a tattoo artist that is well-versed in tattooing over pen ink and has excellent creative skills before beginning the procedure. Prior to beginning the tattooing procedure, discuss what kind of tattoo pattern you want on your body in detail. Because this will be a permanent procedure, all your doubts should be clarified.
Keep a check that your tattoo artist is using a “fine point sharpie” or sterilized pen ink to draw the design on your skin.
The artist can use light-colored ink before and after that can use dark-colored ink to give the client the proper look at the outcome of the procedure.
At this stage, you can also give your input on drawing certain shapes or designs. After the final examination by the client, the tattoo artist begins the procedure of drawing the permanent tattoo over the pen ink.
Though the compounds of the sharpie pens and pen ink are non-toxic still it is advisable to check the sensitivity of your skin before beginning the procedure. In case of any severe allergic reaction, it is advisable to consult a nearby dermatologist immediately.
Is Pen Ink Toxic For Tattoos?
Pen ink is rarely toxic when used as directed, but if you eat or drink a large amount of it, you may experience ink poisoning. If this happens, you should seek medical attention. However, if you do eat or drink ink, you risk skin and eye irritation.
Tattoo ink is made of various fillers and chemicals that can harm your skin. They can include lead, manganese, cadmium, antimony, beryllium, and animal fat. These compounds may irritate your skin and may cause an allergic reaction. As a result, it’s best to consult an allergist before getting a tattoo.
Ink poisoning is most common when someone swallows it. However, it can also happen when a person chews on the end of a pen. In such a case, it’s important to drink lots of water to flush out the poison. Ink poisoning is not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable, which is why the WHO recommends you to avoid swallowing ink. Pen, highlighter, and marker ink are considered minimally toxic. Symptoms include stained skin and a mild stomach upset.
If you choose pen ink for a stick and poke tattoo, you must make sure that you choose the right type. It’s important to choose an ink that is free of toxins and is non-electric. You should also read the label to learn about the components of the ink before getting a tattoo. If you have a history of allergies, you may want to choose a different ink altogether.
