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Can I tattoo over Sharpie?

Sharpie markers are a popular tool for freehand tattoo stenciling, but some people wonder if you can actually tattoo directly over Sharpie ink on the skin. The short answer is yes, you can tattoo over Sharpie, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

The Pros and Cons of Tattooing Over Sharpie

Here are the main pros and cons of tattooing over Sharpie ink:

Pros:

  • Sharpie provides a quick, easy way to freehand a tattoo design directly on the skin.
  • The ink is affordable and accessible.
  • It creates a template for the tattoo artist to follow.
  • Less stencil transfer work is needed.

Cons:

  • Sharpie ink often does not wash off completely when cleaning the skin, which can lead to uneven ink saturation as the tattoo is applied.
  • It can oversaturate the skin, blocking proper ink absorption.
  • The Sharpie ink can interact poorly with tattoo inks, causing discoloration.
  • Filling in intricate areas can be tricky over the thick Sharpie ink.

Best Practices for Tattooing Over Sharpie

If you do choose to get a tattoo over Sharpie ink, here are some best practices to follow:

  • Use Sharpie on clean, dry skin – avoid using over moisturizers or oils which can repel the ink.
  • Let the Sharpie ink dry fully before beginning the tattoo.
  • Do a patch test, tattooing over a small Sharpie area first to evaluate ink interactions.
  • Use an alcohol wipe to gently remove excess Sharpie ink and thin out thicker build up areas before tattooing.
  • Use a lighter hand when outlining over the Sharpie to avoid oversaturating the skin.
  • Consider using a liner needle grouping for outlining instead of a shader needle.
  • Adjust your technique for greater precision when filling in small gaps not colored with Sharpie ink.
  • Avoid going back over Sharpie inked areas excessively during the tattoo.
  • Focus on getting good ink saturation in skin areas not covered in Sharpie.

The Science Behind Tattooing Over Sharpie

On a scientific level, here is some information on how Sharpie ink may interact with tattoo inks:

  • Sharpie contains pigments suspended in a fast-drying alcohol solvent.
  • Tattoo inks also contain pigments but are suspended in carrier fluids like glycerin, distilled water, witch hazel.
  • The Sharpie alcohol and tattoo carrier fluids can blend together under the skin, dispersing and thinning out pigments.
  • Certain Sharpie pigments like phthalocyanine blue may turn colors like green when blended with tattoo ink carriers.
  • Overlapping Sharpie ink layers can block proper ink absorption during tattooing.

So while not ideal, many tattoo artists are able to successfully work around and adjust for the Sharpie ink during the tattoo process.

Tips for Better Freehand Tattoo Stenciling

For best freehand tattoo results, you may want to consider these stenciling options instead of going over Sharpie ink:

  • Use a stencil marker like Tattoo Transfer Paper which rubs off cleanly.
  • Make a temporary ink skin stencil using markers like Tattoo Tone stencil ink.
  • Use tracing paper and transfer gel to create a stencil outline that transfers crisply with no bleeding.
  • For simple designs, use surgical tape and purple dial soap to mask off sections.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, while tattooing over Sharpie on skin is certainly possible, it does come with some challenges. For best results, consult your artist and use proper techniques to work around the Sharpie ink. In many cases, a proper stencil method may be the smoother option for freehand tattoo outlining.