A UV tattoo becomes visible under blacklight, when it glows in colors ranging from white to purple, depending on the ink chosen. Colored ink is also available, where the ink is visible in normal light (as with a regular tattoo) but the ink will glow vividly under UV light. However, some UV inks are not as bright under normal light as normal tattoo ink and are considered not as vibrant.This can be a result of not protecting the tattoo from UV rays within 3 months of receiving the tattoo process or by using scented cremes or lotions on the tattoo area. This can damage the ink, causing it to become a normal ink color in all light. In time, it may also not glow in black lighting. Clear/blue UV inks are known to yellow or turn slightly brown with sun exposure.
A UV or blacklight tattoo is a tattoo which uses special inks designed to show up only under a blacklight. The popularity of UV tattoos exploded in the late 1990s, especially among 18-30 year olds in the clubbing subculture. Not all tattoo artists offer blacklight tattooing; anyone interested in such a tattoo may have to do some research to find a studio which will perform the work.
A UV tattoo becomes visible under blacklight, when it glows in colors ranging from white to purple, depending on the ink chosen. Colored ink is also available, where the ink is visible in normal light (as with a regular tattoo) but the ink will glow vividly under UV light. However, some UV inks are not as bright under normal light as normal tattoo ink and are considered not as vibrant.This can be a result of not protecting the tattoo from UV rays within 3 months of receiving the tattoo process or by using scented cremes or lotions on the tattoo area. This can damage the ink, causing it to become a normal ink color in all light. In time, it may also not glow in black lighting. Clear/blue UV inks are known to yellow or turn slightly brown with sun exposure.
A UV or blacklight tattoo is a tattoo which uses special inks designed to show up only under a blacklight. The popularity of UV tattoos exploded in the late 1990s, especially among 18-30 year olds in the clubbing subculture. Not all tattoo artists offer blacklight tattooing; anyone interested in such a tattoo may have to do some research to find a studio which will perform the work.
One of the main advantages of a UV tattoo is that it allows someone to get a tattoo which will not be visible in most casual, daily interactions. This appeals to many people in the corporate world, where tattoos are not widely considered to be acceptable. It is possible to get a UV tattoo on the face or hands, for example, areas where tattoos would normally attract a great deal of negative attention.
The application process for a blacklight tattoo is a bit more lengthy than that used for a normal tattoo, because the artist will have to periodically turn off the lights and check on the progress of the tattoo with a blacklight. UV inks are also somewhat thinner than normal tattoo inks, making them more difficult to handle, and they are more expensive, causing UV tattoos to be generally more expensive than conventional tattoos. People who are thinking about getting a blacklight tattoo should talk to an experienced artist who is familiar with this form of tattooing. The artist can provide advice on designs which will work well in the medium of UV ink, and he or she can provide suggestions about placement of the UV tattoo as well.
UV inks are not as bright under normal light as normal tattoo inks, and do not blend during application, as normal inks do. Their effect will be dulled if regular ink is used on top of them. Therefore, for vibrant, high impact tattoos, normal ink should be used, allowed to heal, and then highlighted with UV inks. Only highly experienced tattooists should apply UV tattoos, and should have a blacklight within arm’s length of the tattoo chair. When applying white or clear UV ink, this blacklight should be turned on throughout the procedure.UV inking takes a little bit longer than normal, due to UV inks being a little thinner and harder to work with, and because the tattoo must be wiped and checked under a blacklight frequently during application.
There are some problems with UV tattoos. Many tattoo artists are concerned about the safety of the inks, as not all blacklight sensitive inks are safe to use for tattooing, and these artists are concerned about allergic reactions or potentially carcinogenic inks. As a result, some have pushed for tighter regulation of tattoo inks to ensure the safety of clients and artists alike. In addition, some blacklight tattoos may fade to unsightly brown or gray colors which become visible in regular light and look unpleasant, defeating the goal of having a tattoo which is invisible in normal lighting conditions.
