What can I use instead of India ink?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on January 18, 2026
A non-toxic disinfectant, such as vodka, is a better choice. Vodka is a mixture of alcohol in water. Any other “white” alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol or tequila, will also work.
Where can India ink be found?
India ink has been in use in India since at least the 4th century BC, where it was called masi, an admixture of several substances. Indian documents written in Kharosthi with this ink have been unearthed in as far as Xinjiang, China.
Is India ink good for tattoos?
Use India Ink Do not use just any old ink for your stick and poke. Ink, like the ink from your pen, is not sterile and can be highly toxic. A non-toxic ink, like India ink, would be your best bet. Tattoo ink is ideal, but India ink is more easily accessible and just as safe.
Do any pens have India ink?
Inigo Echeverria was frustrated that there aren’t any modern fountain pens that could use India ink, so he designed one himself. That’s a cute 4ml ink bottle with India ink in it. I don’t know the brand of the ink so for my review, I used Dr Ph Martin’s Bombay Black instead.
How do you make homemade India ink?
Things You’ll Need
- 1 oz. charcoal ash.
- 1 oz distilled water.
- 1 drop white vinegar.
- Small bowl.
- Hard bristled brush.
- Small Mason jar.
What can I use if I don’t have tattoo ink?
Is black India ink permanent?
Probably the most renowned ink, Indian ink is a permanent, opaque black. It mixes well with other colours, adding a cool, dense tint.
Does India ink go bad?
Technically, India ink does not expire in its purest form as it is simply charcoal and water mixed together so there are no ingredients in it that are able to expire.
Are stick n pokes illegal?
Are stick and pokes illegal? Stick and pokes are not illegal if they are done by a licensed artist. Many states, and countries, have differing legislation that controls the cleanliness of the work being made.
Does India ink turn green?
India ink was a very common ink used in tattooing decades ago, and is the main culprit behind old tattoos turning green or blue over time. Newer inks don’t have the same makeup as India ink, and is generally much higher quality and contains more stable ingredients.
Where is the best place to buy Indian ink?
Where to Buy India Ink on Amazon. There really is no larger online market than Amazon. You can get all sorts of products online, and one of them is Indian ink. There are a number of different varieties of Indian ink available on Amazon as well. With quick delivery times and virtually unlimited choice, you are not going to have any trouble here.
Where to buy ink and toner for a printer?
Shop for Ink & Toner in Printers & Supplies. Buy products such as HP 61 Black/Tri-color Original Ink Cartridges, 2 pack (CR259FN) at Walmart and save.
Where can I buy a black ink pot?
You can also get more standard black ink pots at Michaels. You may enjoy shopping here as you can get other art supplies like paper and pens. There really is no larger online market than Amazon. You can get all sorts of products online, and one of them is Indian ink.
What can you do with negative India ink?
This is known as negative stains. India ink and other stains can also be used for determining if cells have gelatinous capsules. One common application for this procedure in clinical microbiology laboratories is for confirming the morphology of encapsulated yeast which can cause cryptococcal meningitis.