White ink in a tattoo?

Question

What would it look like if someone got a tattoo entirely in white ink? Would it even show up at all?

I wanted to get a tattoo of a verse in Sanskrit, but I was thinking of ways to make it more unique... I'm caucasian and rather pale, at that; how well would white ink show up on me?

http://a362.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/15/m_c58a1879cadb842b36989b91e6c97291.jpg

http://myspace-323.vo.llnwd.net/01556/32/36/1556606323_m.jpg

This is what my skintone is like...

For reference, I'm in Tampa, Florida :D

Answer 1

You're not as pale as me, neener neener neener... :)

I have some white in my koi-dragon, and it sort of shows up. Not too well, but that's the point in the overall piece. Maybe a combination of white & grey/black for the lettering? It can give the tat some nice shading & 3d effects.

Answer 2

Hi There,
I'm pretty sure that as an only colour white would show very little if at all, and if it does it would last long. The first tat I ever got was a lovely chain of asiatic lilies around my ankle by a VERY wonderful tattoo artist, and white highlighted the pink on the petals. My colouring is very similar to yours and the
white took (over the pink) but now 12 years later it is VERY VERY pale. I believe if I remember correctly that it also really depends on where your tattoo will be placed.(but I could be off with that). Here's an idea why don't you go online and ask the guys at Miami Ink---I think their website even has tips and do's and don'ts.
Now one more thing, here's an idea for you (considering the white ink highlight thing) what if you were to have a scroll of paper done maybe in a tanish, brown(antique papery look) and have the Sanskrit written on to the scroll...white could be incorporated but probably would stay better???
Oh, and I agree I doubt you could find a good, reputable, "approved", healthy tattoo artist that would do it all white...because remember you are their walking billboards, they aren't going to do a job that somebody else will have to fix or that is going to look awful in the beginning or after.
I like the response above "Think before you Ink" thats perfect
this sucker is going to be there ...well.... forever, if anybody you better darn well LOVE the idea and the tattoo AND where you have it placed. I'll never forget a girl I knew years ago who at 18 or 19 had a beautiful bouquet of all sorts of gorgeous flowers tattooed across her belly (she was one of the beautiful little petite things so it looked great) BUT at 30 she got pregnant with twins boys (big boys!) and let me tell you that was 1) One big *** bouquet and 2) it looked like s**t
after. Placement Placement Placement, and think think think.

IMHO hope you like my suggestion and this helps!!!

Answer 3

To start I believe it will show up, especially considering there is usually a light scarring after you get a tattoo (thye raised skin and slight redness). Depending on how you pale you are, it may take a second glance by others to ensure they see a tattoo- which is actually pretty cool. If I saw a white ink tattoo, especially of a verse of some sort (I'm fascinated by text), i'd probably think it was pretty awesome- rock on and good luck. Don't forget to ensure you tattoo artist and shop are in tip top condition with health codes and the BBB before you go get it

Answer 4

You have a cute face, but that's off topic.

Anyway, its truly hard to say. I doubt that the white would show up and over time white ink can yellow or brown. Usually its used as a highlighting color for adding depth and texture to images. I don't think it would show up, but I'm not quite a tattoo expert.

I would talk to a skilled artist about this. Even if it doesn't work, having it done in a color would look pretty as well and I'm sure they can help you draw out the image to make it unique. Good luck.

Answer 5

I am medium complected African-American. I had a black tattoo done with a white outline a few years ago. The white ink was very visible and looked great for awhile. I got a lot of compliments, but then the white part started to fade and then completely disappeared within a few months.

Answer 6

Think about having it outlined in a thin line of another colour, perhaps a pale blue or similar colour that you like. This will help bring out the white of the ink and show it off against the pale skin you claim to have.

Answer 7

I have a beautiful large tattoo on my back with blue, purple and white as the main colors. The white gives it a very nice metalic effect when shaded by a good artist.

Don't know where you are, but if you are in Western Washington State, I would reccommend Cory, owner of Lynnwood Tattoo. He's a master!

Answer 8

It will barely show up and wouldnt be worth it if you have no other color. I have a tat with white highlights, you can't even see the white anymore. When it started to fade all the white went away. You might want to think of something else to make it unique.

Answer 9

i've got 2 fairly large mermaids on my leg. and in the tails they used white to bring out the scales. it looks wonderful. i don't know that it would show up very good as your only color. unless maybe they use one white for bringing out detail and another white for pieces that your wanting. maybe you should consider another color. a old friend of mine had a tat on his leg and it was completely red. no black or grey, just red. and not like a lipstick red, but almost a deep rusty red. it was amazing. i dont even remember what the tat was of, all i remember is the color looked awesome. and he was pretty pale. check into it, maybe that can do some kind of "special customizing" for you....

Answer 10

Not a good idea
It's used for highlights
Think Before You Ink