sorry if theres already a discussion somewhere but i seached and couldn’t find one.
UV TATTOOS- has anyone got one? what do people and artists think of them? do they cost more than normal tatoos?
coz i am thinking bout getting a UV for my second tatt as i want a back piece but thought it would be nice to have something you can see all the time, to give me more scope clothing wise 🙂
and i figure i wont be clubbing in blacklight when im old anyway so its no big.
Opinions and experiences welcome, thanks guys.
Hi
I wrote a small bit on UV tattoos as part of my PhD it is a mixed bag response to be honest.
The concept of UV tattooing has been around for a lot of years but this was mainly used on animal tracking and animal operations/experiments so there are 2 types of UV out there.
There is currently no FDA or similar regulation of pigments used in inks.
From my ebook
UV INK (Black Light Ink)
This type of ink is a relative newcomer to the tattoo scene and has been around approximately 10 years for human consumption, although it has much more recently taken off for use as a tattooing pigment
The ink in essence glows in the dark especially when it is placed under an ultraviolet light (the kind usually found in nightclubs).
Although they come in colour the white ones are not as discernible to the naked eye but the outline of the scar can be seen on the skin.
So what is it made from?
There are two main types of UV ink on the market:
Polymethylmethacrylate 97.5% and micro spheres of fluorescent dye 2.5% suspended in UV sterilized, distilled water.
(Edit – This stuff is the one they use for human tattooing – it has not been recorded as killing anybody as yet and there has been no real indication of serious health reactions. However no research has been done on human subjects that I could find although it is in process of trying for FDA approval).
The second type of pigment used is a photo luminescent pigment, which contains alkaline earth aluminates.
These can include the very toxic soft metals
Barium
Beryllium
Radium
Strontium
All of these are are highly toxic to the human body and can lead to cancer and severe allergic reactions.
Under no circs should you use this type of pigment! This is also known in the market as Eva-Glow and Everglow.
The results of the tattoo have been known to vary I have seen some fantastic results (see below)
http://offbeatink.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/uvnormal.jpg
http://photos.jpgmag.com/280855_78669_e7724f2422_p.jpg
http://www.sciencemonkey.net/img/200606101953-pix1.jpg
I have also seen some that are not as good ( which can be expected in tattooing scene).
It seems that white is the easiest ink to work with but there (I think) around 8 other colours that can be used.
Here is an example of a coloured UV tattoo
http://www.bmeink.com/A81208/high/ot7g-7-sins-tattoo-bitch.jpg
The main issues are:
Some UV tattoos created a raised or ridged effect (which might not be your thing)
http://www.bmeink.com/A81224/high/npno-untitled-image.jpg
The coloured ones do leave a outline on the skin that is visible to the naked eye.
http://www.bmeink.com/A90214/high/fzva-skulls-from-bmt.jpg (no UV light)
http://www.bmeink.com/A90214/high/fzu9-skulls-from-bmt.jpg (with UV light)
Some people have complained that the ink has a tendency to fade quite quickly there is an approx lifespan or 2-7 years before a touch up is needed – this is ancedotal not fact so may vary – I need to find more primary source info. :p
Others people have mentioned that the ink can sometimes travel in the skin forming bumps further along – similar to a blow out although this is very rare and seems more to do with diy tattooing on the examples I have seen.
This is how a fresh UV tattoo can look
http://www.livingarttatts.com/jhvfjhdg_rot_90.jpg
This is a healed no uv tattoo
http://www.bmeink.com/A80308/high/novm-pink-floyd-tattoo.jpg
It seems to be gathering popularity but to be honest I am so/so about it until long term effects on the human body have been conducted but I am a cautious old git! :p
Anyhow hope it helps in whether you get one or not.
Take Care
Matthew
thanks, I had heard they fade easily, and I wasnt sure how they look in normal day light, as daylight itself contains some UV rays, though I didnt know about it not having FDA approval, I thought they wouldnt let anyone do/take any chemicals that weren’t approved!?
still on the search, wondering if anyone on this forum has a UV tattoo with maybe some first hand experience they could share, my sisters ex had some but they were all coloured which meant they were very visible.
I always thought UV would take off inareas like the young professional world, where people want a tattoo but also want to keep their jobs,lol, seems like the more discreet option for most places e.g. arms, neck etc, but maybe you just have to stcik to getting them where they cant be seen!!
my daughter’s father had a joker on his bicep that was uv ink but in color. the tattoo was ok – faded quite easily though – i think he had it touched up 4 times while we were together and a few times since. i’ve personally never seen the white ink but the color is pretty decent. the visible color though (without the blacklight) seems to be a little lighter than standard ink.
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