TL;DR:

 Yes, tattoo ink should be shaken regularly—especially before use—to ensure proper pigment dispersion. Over time, pigments naturally settle, which can affect color performance and consistency. Whether shaking manually or using a professional ink mixer, always follow sterile handling procedures and check for expiration dates. Proper storage and agitation are essential for maintaining ink quality, longevity, and safety.

Introduction

 Tattoo artists rely on vibrant, consistent pigment to create high-quality tattoos. But even the best ink in the world can produce disappointing results if it’s not properly maintained.

 One of the most overlooked aspects of ink care? Shaking.

 Whether you’re opening a brand-new bottle or reaching for a tried-and-true favorite, how—and when—you shake your tattoo ink can impact:

• Color saturation
• Smooth application
• Pigment retention
• Skin healing response

 This article explores why shaking ink matters, how to do it properly, and what tools you can use to keep your tattoo inks in top condition.

Why Tattoo Ink Needs to Be Shaken

 Tattoo ink is made up of pigment particles suspended in a carrier fluid. Over time, those particles settle to the bottom of the bottle, especially if the ink has been stored for weeks or months.

If you skip shaking:

• You’ll draw mostly carrier fluid from the top
• Your lines or shading may appear faint
• Ink may heal inconsistently across the skin
• You could alter the chemical balance of the batch

 Even a well-formulated ink—like StarBrite Colors—can’t avoid natural pigment separation. That’s why shaking isn’t optional—it’s a necessary part of your tattoo prep.

When Should You Shake Tattoo Ink?

• Before Every Use: Always shake a bottle thoroughly before pouring it into a cap.
• Before Reordering: If ink has been sitting in storage for over a month, give it a good shake before evaluating performance.
• After Transportation: Ink that’s been in a shipping box or travel case should be shaken before use.

 Some artists also shake their pre-mixed grey washes or color blends between long sessions to ensure uniformity.

Manual Shaking vs. Ink Mixers

 There are two main ways to shake tattoo ink: manually by hand or using a professional ink mixer. Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Manual Shaking

 How to Do It:

1. Put on gloves (for hygiene).
2. Secure the lid tightly.
3. Shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds.
4. Use a swirling and up/down motion to distribute particles.

 Pros:

• No special equipment needed
• Works for small batches or touchups

 Cons:

• Time-consuming for large collections
• Harder to achieve uniform mixing with thick pigments
• Risk of poor dispersion if done too quickly

Tip: Hold the bottle upside down occasionally during shaking to loosen heavier pigments at the bottom.

Ink Mixers

These are small battery- or USB-powered tools with rotating heads that agitate ink bottles safely and efficiently.

 Pros:

• Uniform mixing in under 10 seconds
• Great for thick, pigment-heavy inks
• Less wrist fatigue, especially in busy studios
• Can be used with multiple bottle sizes

 Cons:

• Requires investment (~$30–$100)
• Needs cleaning and maintenance
• Not portable for every setup

 Many professional artists who use high-viscosity inks or pre-blend large grey wash batches rely on mixers to maintain consistency across sessions.

Best Practices for Shaking and Storing Tattoo Ink

 Use Only Sterile Techniques

 Never open the bottle cap for manual stirring unless you’re in a controlled sterile environment.

Label Bottles Clearly

 If you premix blends or dilute black for grey wash, label the ratio and shake date for reference.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place

 Avoid sunlight, heat, and humidity, which can degrade pigment and carriers over time.

Check for Expiry

 Most tattoo inks have a 2–5 year shelf life from the date of manufacture. StarBrite bottles are clearly labeled with expiration and batch codes.

Inspect for Sediment or Separation

 If you still see pigment clumping or uneven viscosity after shaking, discard the ink. It may be past its usable life or contaminated.

 Shaking alone doesn’t compromise sterility—if the bottle is sealed and handled properly.

 However:

• Avoid removing the cap for manual stirring
• Never use expired ink or bottles that were stored in improper conditions
• Keep ink away from contamination sources (dust, dirty gloves, etc.)

Sterile tattoo ink is gamma-treated and sealed in a way that resists microbial growth—but always practice safe handling to avoid introducing risk.

Common Myths About Shaking Tattoo Ink

 “If the ink looks fine, I don’t need to shake it.”

False. Even if it looks okay, pigment can still be invisibly unevenly suspended. Always shake.

 “You can just stir ink with a stick instead of shaking it.”

This introduces contamination unless done in a sterile lab setting. Stick to sealed shaking.

 “Inks with more pigment don’t need to be shaken.”

Actually, they need it more often—heavier particles settle faster.

StarBrite Colors and Pigment Stability

 At StarBrite Colors, we formulate our inks with high-quality pigment dispersions and stable carrier blends to reduce clumping and sedimentation.

 Each bottle is:

• Gamma-sterilized
• Mixed with pharmaceutical-grade carriers
• Designed for long-term pigment suspension

 Still, we recommend shaking our inks thoroughly before each use for optimal performance and consistency.

FAQs

Q: How long should I shake tattoo ink?

For manual shaking, 30–60 seconds is ideal. With a mixer, 5–10 seconds is usually sufficient.

 Q: Can I shake an ink bottle with sediment stuck to the bottom?

If shaking doesn’t loosen the sediment, the ink may be expired or improperly stored—do not use.

Q: Are ink mixers safe for all bottle types?

Yes, but make sure the bottle is firmly sealed and the mixer accommodates different sizes.

Q: Can you shake ink that’s already been opened?

Yes, as long as the cap is securely closed and the bottle was stored properly.

 Q: What’s the best way to mix pre-diluted grey wash?

Gently shake before every session, and store in a cool environment to maintain balance.

Conclusion

 Shaking your tattoo ink might seem like a small step, but it plays a big role in your overall tattooing process. From ensuring accurate pigment distribution to preserving shelf life, proper ink agitation is essential for vibrant, consistent, and safe results.

Whether you’re working with black, color, or grey wash, take a few seconds to shake—or invest in a reliable mixer. Your work (and your clients’ skin) will thank you.