Gelly Roll Ink as Tattoo Ink

Brierre · 21 May 2023

I'm sure someone has asked this question before, so I apologize, but I didn't see it listed.

Let me start by saying that I am in prison, so this is about prison tattoos, and probably doesn't interest anyone who can buy whatever they need.

I have seen some tattoos done with the gel ink from Sakura Gelly Roll pens. These are great because they come in a lot of different colors, and they are easy to get into prison. My question is how well does this ink hold up as compared against ash-based prison ink? Obviously soot ink is only black (and some much better than others), but does anyone have any experience with gel pen ink for tattoos? Would a black gel pen hold up better than standard prison ink?

Any insights would be welcome.

DKJ · 26 May 2023

Hi Brierre,
I have no idea how is done the common prison ink, but if it's made off ashes it could be better than the gel one.
Because it's how it has been done for ages, and also cause ashes would be a more hygienic ink (as it's made of burnt matter, there's no bacteria left).
I don't know either what's the composition of gel pen ink, so inwould rather stay away from it.
Allergia and infections are not something your inmates would want.
Hoping it will help you a bit, i'm just thinking about hygiene, can't really tell you about the inks.

Peace,

DKJ

ElenaY · 26 May 2023

Brierre said:
I'm sure someone has asked this question before, so I apologize, but I didn't see it listed.

Let me start by saying that I am in prison, so this is about prison tattoos, and probably doesn't interest anyone who can buy whatever they need.

I have seen some tattoos done with the gel ink from Sakura Gelly Roll pens. These are great because they come in a lot of different colors, and they are easy to get into prison. My question is how well does this ink hold up as compared against ash-based prison ink? Obviously soot ink is only black (and some much better than others), but does anyone have any experience with gel pen ink for tattoos? Would a black gel pen hold up better than standard prison ink?

Any insights would be welcome.

I'd trust ash-based ink more, to be honest. And as for colors, I think India ink is quite popular as well.
I have a question for you too - how do you clean the space and equipment for the procedure? How about the needle alternatives? Are they made for single use or cleaned and used on more than one person?

aquaziafantasia · 27 May 2023

When I was in prison back in 2003, I did a few stick and poke tattoos using gel pen ink. I still have the tattoos and the color is still about as bright as it was when I did it 20 years ago. I never had any issues with infection or anything crazy...I would say if you can keep everything clean and your environment is clean, then you should be okay to use gel pen ink. Just my opinion based on my personal experience though so it's up to you!

Brierre · 27 May 2023

ElenaY said:
I have a question for you too - how do you clean the space and equipment for the procedure? How about the needle alternatives? Are they made for single use or cleaned and used on more than one person?

There are compromises to be sure -- you do your best to keep things clean. Typically, no sharing of needles (I've never seen it). They really should be for single use, but people often reuse them (you hold on to your own needle). Very often needles are made of guitar strings.

aquaziafantasia
Thank you for your insight on the topic. I would suspect that given the ink in gel pens that color would hold up well -- looking to confirm this suspicion (confirmation bias, i suppose).

Gelly Roll Ink as Tattoo Ink

Brierre

DKJ

ElenaY

aquaziafantasia

Brierre

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