Complete guide: Intenze drawing ink Formula 23 Greywash Light 300ml
It is the lightest tone in the Formula 23 pre-mixed greywash range, the line created by Mario Barth (founder of Intenze) together with artist BJ Betts. It comes ready-mixed, in a 300 ml bottle, and is designed for highlights, fine transitions, and brightness effects in black and grey work. Being pre-mixed, it gives you the same light grey tone, identical from one bottle to the next, without needing to manually dilute black. On the store page, the product is listed as a 'drawing' ink — see the Attention section.
How to use
- Shake the bottle well before use so that the pigment suspended in the formula is evenly distributed.
- Pour a small amount into a clean, disposable cup/cap; do not insert the needle directly into the bottle to avoid contaminating the entire contents.
- Work on a clean surface and start with the lightest tone (Light) for the top layers and light areas.
- Apply in thin layers, gradually building up the tonality, with circular or pendulum movements for even shading.
- For gradual transitions, progress from Light to Medium and Dark from the same range, up to Formula 23 Original black.
- Do not oversaturate the area: the light tone requires precision to maintain its transparency and naturalness.
- Close the bottle tightly after use and wipe the bottle mouth before storing it.
Tips from us
- Do not pour leftover ink from the cup back into the bottle; discard the excess to avoid contaminating the entire quantity.
- Apply with sufficient saturation during the session — the tone naturally fades upon healing, and Light is already a subtle grey.
- For consistent results, use it as part of the Formula 23 set (Light / Medium / Dark + Original) to cover the entire tonal palette.
- It also performs well for stippling/dotwork in light tones, when you want fine gradients from natural skin to light grey.
- The 300 ml format is generous, suitable if you work frequently, and reduces the need for restocking.
- Store the bottle closed, at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Warning: On the product page, this ink is listed with the purpose 'for drawing', not for tattooing; according to the note in the description, use for any purpose other than that stated remains strictly the consumer's responsibility. For hygiene reasons, treat it like any professional consumable: shake before use, pour into disposable cups, do not reinsert the needle into the bottle, do not reuse leftovers from one session to another, and follow the sterilization and barrier protocols of your workspace.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is Formula 23 Greywash Light?▾
It is the lightest tone in the Formula 23 pre-mixed greywash range, in a 300 ml bottle. It is used for highlights, fine transitions, and brightness effects in black and grey work, meaning for the lightest layers of shading and for simulating light on the skin.
Do I need to dilute it before use?▾
No. It is pre-mixed, and this is precisely its advantage: it eliminates manual dilution of black and guarantees you the exact same tone every session, unlike manual dilution, which yields a different result each time depending on the mixing ratio.
Can I use it alone, or does it need to be combined with other tones?▾
It can be used alone for minimalist work with subtle tones, but it reaches its full potential when combined with Medium and Dark from the same range, plus Formula 23 Original black. Together, they cover the entire palette, from the lightest highlights to the deepest shadows.
Is it still visible after healing, being such a light tone?▾
Yes. Although it is subtle, it is formulated to remain visible after healing. The key is correct application, with sufficient saturation during the session to compensate for the natural fading during the healing process.
Is it compatible with any machine and any needles?▾
According to the description, it is compatible with all machine and needle systems, being particularly effective with round shader and magnum needles for soft shading and blending techniques. For even shading, magnum needles are the usual choice.
How do I store it and avoid contamination?▾
Shake it before each use, pour only what you need into a disposable cup, and never insert the needle directly into the bottle. Discard any leftover in the cup, close the bottle tightly, wipe its mouth, and store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Product description
Drawing ink Intenze Formula 23 Greywash Light Quantity: 300ml This ink is intended to be used for drawing, not to be used for tattoos. Its use for purposes other than those mentioned, by the consumer, is strictly the responsibility of the consumer. We do not assume any responsibility in the case of using this tus for a purpose other than the one mentioned. . Founder of Intenze Mario Barth and renowned tattoo artist BJ Betts have collaborated again to offer some of the most reliable, professional grade grey wash shading tattoo inks on the market. Used by top artists in the industry, the perfected Formula 23 line is known for its boldness, precision even with the finest lines, and outstanding healed results. Designed to work seamlessly with the original Formula 23 black ink, Formula 23 Light Grey is an essential product for shading and executing smooth transitions from light to dark.
Intenze Formula 23 Greywash Light 300ml is the lightest tone in the Formula 23 pre-mixed greywash range, created by renowned artist Mario Barth. This professional ink delivers a subtle light grey tonality, essential for highlights, fine transitions, and luminosity effects in black and grey work. The pre-mixed formula completely eliminates the need for manual black dilution, guaranteeing a perfectly calibrated tone that is identical from bottle to bottle. Its fluid consistency allows the artist to create delicate gradients and subtle shadows that add dimensionality and realism to portraits, illustrations, and complex designs. Greywash Light is the key tool for advanced shading techniques, enabling progressive tone layering from the lightest grey to deep black. High-quality pigments are uniformly suspended in Intenze's proprietary formula, ensuring constant dispersion and uninterrupted application throughout the entire session. The professional 300ml format is the optimal size for artists who frequently work in the black and grey style, reducing costs and the need for frequent restocking. Formula 23 Greywash Light heals cleanly in the skin, maintaining its subtle tonality without disappearing completely or discoloring. The ink is compatible with all machine and needle systems, being particularly effective with round shader and magnum needles for soft shading and blending techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions What is Formula 23 Greywash Light used for? Formula 23 Greywash Light is used for highlights, fine transitions, and luminosity effects in black and grey work. It is the lightest tone in the range, ideal for upper shading layers, simulating light on skin in realistic portraits, and gradual transitions toward the skin's darker tones. Is Greywash Light visible after the tattoo heals? Yes, although it is a subtle tone, Formula 23 Greywash Light is formulated to remain visible after healing. The pigments are sufficiently concentrated to maintain tonality in the skin long-term without disappearing completely. The key is correct application with sufficient saturation during the session to compensate for natural softening during the healing process. Can I use Greywash Light alone or does it need to be combined with other tones? Greywash Light can be used alone for minimalist work with subtle tones, but it reaches its full potential when combined with Medium and Dark from the same range. The complete set of three tones plus Formula 23 Original black provides the artist with the full palette for any black and grey work, from the lightest highlights to the deepest shadows. How to properly apply Greywash Light for optimal results? For optimal results, apply Greywash Light in subtle layers, gradually building the desired tonality. Use magnum or curved magnum needles with circular or pendulum movements for uniform shading. It is important to work on clean skin and not oversaturate the area, as Light's subtle tone requires application precision to maintain transparency and naturalness. What is the difference between Greywash Light and manually diluting black? The main difference is consistency and predictability. Manually diluting black with water or mixing solution produces a different tone each time, depending on the mix ratio. Formula 23 Greywash Light guarantees the exact same tone in every session, eliminating guesswork and ensuring repeatable professional results. Can Greywash Light be used for stippling technique? Yes, Greywash Light is excellent for stippling and dotwork in light tones. Its consistency allows individual dots to be uniform in tonality, creating subtle and elegant texture effects. It is a popular choice for dotwork tattoos that require gradients from white (natural skin) to light grey. Is it compatible with inks from other brands? While Intenze recommends exclusive use of their own products for optimal results, Formula 23 Greywash Light is technically compatible with inks from other professional brands. Many artists combine inks from different brands in the same piece. However, for maximum consistency, using the entire Formula 23 range is the best choice. How to properly store Formula 23 Greywash Light? Formula 23 Greywash Light should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The bottle must be sealed tightly after each use to prevent contamination or evaporation. Before each use, gently shake the bottle to redistribute pigments that may naturally settle over time. Does Formula 23 Greywash Light work on all skin types? Yes, Formula 23 Greywash Light works on all skin types, but tone visibility may vary depending on natural skin tone. On lighter skin, the tone shows more clearly, while on darker skin it may require greater saturation or a different approach. The experienced artist knows how to adjust technique based on the client's skin type. How much ink is consumed per greywash session? Consumption varies significantly depending on tattoo size and technique used. For a medium portrait tattoo on the forearm, an artist may consume 5-15ml of Greywash Light. The 300ml format provides enough product for a large number of sessions, making it an economical investment for professionals.
