This is a 120 ml tattoo shading ink from the UniShader series — four intensity levels numbered 1 to 4. Number 3 is the solid intensity level: choose it when you want stronger shadows, marked contrast and definition, not barely perceptible transitions. The series eliminates the need to mix shades yourself: simply pick the number that matches the intensity you want. Designed for artists who do a lot of shading and want consistent, repeatable results from session to session.
What does '#3' in the name mean and how do I choose between the series numbers?▾
The UniShader series has four intensity levels, numbered 1 to 4, designed as a shading scale. Number 3 is the solid intensity level, for strong shadows, contrast and definition. The lower numbers are for lighter touches and fine transitions, and the logic of the series is that you choose the number based on how intense you want that particular passage to be, instead of achieving intensity through your own mixing.
Do I need to mix it with another ink to get gradients?▾
Not necessary — that's the whole idea of the series: each number covers an intensity level, so you can work directly from the bottle. For a complete gradient, the simplest approach is to use multiple numbers from the series on the same piece: the lower levels in the transition areas and #3 where you want the emphasis. You save time and, more importantly, get the same result at the next session without having to remember mixing 'recipes'.
How do I work hygienically with a 120 ml bottle if I use it for multiple clients?▾
The rule is simple: the bottle is just a source, contact with the skin is made exclusively through disposable cups. You cover it with a protective barrier, shake it, pour the necessary amount into the cup, close it immediately, and never touch the bottle with the needle or contaminated gloves. At the end, you discard the cups along with the remaining ink, wipe and disinfect the outside of the bottle, and store it closed. Nothing is poured back.
How long can I use it after opening?▾
The official reference is always the information printed on the label and packaging — check it upon receipt and before each session, don't rely on memory. In practice, the useful life also depends on how you store it: tightly closed, upright, in the dark and at constant temperature, protected from contamination. A bottle left open, exposed to light, or touched with a contaminated hand is compromised regardless of the date on it.
Is it suitable for a beginner artist?▾
Yes, precisely because the numbered system eliminates the part where you have to dose the intensity yourself through mixing — you choose the number and know what to expect. The recommendation remains the same as for any new ink: first do a few exercises on synthetic skin, at your usual settings, to see how level #3 lays down in overlapping passes. For very fine shadows, start with a lower number and work up to #3.
Does it matter what machine or needle configuration I use with it?▾
The ink is not tied to a specific type of machine — the choice of machine and needle configuration depends on your technique and the area you are working on, not the bottle. What matters for consistency of the result is to shake well before pouring and to keep the same working settings when you want to reproduce exactly the same shading. If you change both the ink and the configuration at the same time, you won't know what changed the result.
