How to Mix 25 Percent Shading Tattoo Ink

Shading ink, also known as gray wash, is a diluted form of tattoo ink used to create a lighter, more delicate color in a tattoo. Tattoo companies categorize their shading inks by percentages, indicating how much ink the mixture contains. A 25 percent shading tattoo ink contains 25 percent tattoo ink and 75 percent of a diluent such as water or witch hazel. When mixing a shading ink, consistency between batches ensures the same color throughout the entire tattoo.

Things You'll Need

• tattoo ink mixing caps
• tattoo ink
• diluent (witch hazel or purified water)

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Line up six empty, sterile ink mixing cups on a flat, secure surface.

   • 2

     Uncap the black tattoo ink and the water or witch hazel.

   • 3

     Hold the tattoo ink bottle over the first cap and squeeze until a precise, controlled flow of ink leaves the bottle.

   • 4

     Drop ink into the cups. For 25 percent shading ink, fill the cap one-quarter full with ink.

   • 5

     Add the diluent to the cups and fill completely. This creates a solution that is 25 percent ink.