We are talking about a shading ink from the INX UniShader series by Kwadron, in a 120 ml bottle, at intensity level #2 — described by the manufacturer as 'classic balance'. It is designed for artists who work in black & grey, portraits, large areas, and shading with smooth but clearly visible transitions. The series has four numbered levels from 1 to 4, so you can choose the intensity directly from the bottle, without mixing inks yourself. The 120 ml format is a heavy-duty working size, suitable for studios that consistently use the same shade.
What does '#2' mean and how do I choose between shades 1–4 in the series?▾
The UniShader series has four numbered shades from 1 to 4, each corresponding to an intensity level: the higher the number, the more intense the level. #2 is described by the manufacturer as the classic balance — suitable for smooth tonal transitions, but more pronounced than the lightest level. The idea of the series is to take the intensity directly from the bottle, without mixing inks yourself. If you work a lot in black & grey, the most practical is to have several levels at hand and switch from one to another as you build the shadow.
Do I need to dilute it before use?▾
The series is built precisely so that you don't have to prepare mixtures yourself: you choose the desired intensity level and work directly with it. For any additional preparation instructions, the correct reference remains the label and the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging — do not improvise dilution recipes by ear, because you change the ink's behavior from what it was designed for.
Is it suitable for portraits and large areas?▾
Yes, the manufacturer recommends it exactly for black and grey work, portraits, larger surfaces, and precise shading, with a clear rhythm of light and shadow. On large surfaces, the 120 ml format helps: you don't run out of shade halfway through a long session and you maintain consistency throughout the work, which matters a lot when building transitions.
How do I store it properly and what do I do with the ink left in the caps?▾
The ink left in the caps is disposed of together with the caps at the end of each client — it is never returned to the bottle, because any contact with the needle, skin, or glove contaminates the entire quantity. The bottle is shaken before use, closed tightly immediately after pouring, wiped at the neck, and stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Always respect the expiration date printed on the label.
Does it work with any machine and any type of needle?▾
The product data does not specify compatibility with certain machines or needle configurations, and in practice a tattoo ink is not tied to a specific machine brand. What matters is your technique: the needle configuration, speed, angle, and number of passes influence how intensely the shade settles on the skin. That is why it is always worth doing a test on synthetic skin with your usual setup before starting the work.
I am a beginner — is this an ink I can use?▾
The numbered four-level system is friendly precisely for someone who is still building their eye for values: you choose the intensity intuitively, instead of relying on your own mixtures. The recommendation remains the same as for any ink: practice first on synthetic skin, learn how the shade behaves with your settings, and only then move on to real skin, under complete hygiene conditions.
