A black drawing ink in large format, 500 ml, developed by Intenze in collaboration with the Suluape family from Samoa — one of the most respected families of tatau masters. It is designed for artists who create Polynesian, Samoan or Maori tribal motifs and need a deep black with a distinctive character that evokes traditional ink. The generous format makes it suitable for large graphic projects where ink consumption is high and consistency must remain the same from start to finish. Important to know from the start: the store sells it exclusively as drawing ink, not for tattooing.
Can I use this ink for tattoos?▾
No — the declared purpose of this product, as stated in its description, is drawing. The store explicitly states that it is not marketed for use in tattooing, and use for any purpose other than that mentioned is strictly at the consumer's own risk. If you buy it, treat it as a drawing ink for graphic works.
What makes it different from other Intenze black inks?▾
It is the only product in Intenze's portfolio created specifically for Polynesian tribal aesthetics, developed in direct collaboration with the Suluape family from Samoa. Its black has a distinct depth — it is not the industrial black of True Black nor the organic warmth of Black Sumi — and the consistency is calibrated for thick, long, perfectly uniform lines, without density variation from the beginning to the end of the line.
Why does it come in a 500 ml bottle and is the large format worth it?▾
500 ml is the largest format available for this ink and reflects the fact that tribal style works consume large amounts of black. The large format has two practical advantages: it reduces order frequency and guarantees the same shade and consistency throughout the project — important when a large graphic work spans weeks. If you work rarely, consider that you will open a large bottle for small consumption.
For which drawing styles is it best suited?▾
Its character is optimized for thick, bold, uniform lines — exactly what Polynesian, Samoan or Maori tribal style requires. For the same reason it is also suitable for other tribal motifs (Celtic, Bornean) or for ornamental blackwork and mandala works, wherever you need a deep black laid consistently on long lines. It is not intended as a shading ink for fine gradients or delicate fades.
How do I store it correctly and avoid contamination?▾
Basic rule: never work directly from the bottle. Decant into a separate container, discard what remains after the session, and do not pour used ink back. Close the cap tightly immediately after decanting and store the bottle away from sunlight and extreme temperatures. The product comes sterilized, with a traceable batch, so hygiene during handling is what maintains this quality after opening.
What quality standards does this ink meet?▾
According to the manufacturer's description, the formula is 100% vegan, manufactured in the USA under GMP standards and compliant with the European REACH regulation. The product is sterilized and has a traceable batch, and its chromatic character was approved by Samoan tatau masters from the Suluape family, in collaboration with whom it was developed.
