Often an individual tattoo artist will fancy taking into consideration the possibility of tattoo making at home itself. While it's not always a bad thing, most states have laws that a person cannot perform tattoos without a cleanliness and sterility maintained. In most cases, an official from the Ministry of Health will come down to home / studio and inspect the area, ensuring that it meets certain room cleanliness levels. These levels of examination are extremely high and no exception is made.
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| Image Courtesy - Infinite Tattoos |
While the average home tattoo artist will consider this rule unfair and an invasion of privacy, the reasoning behind such laws is actually quite valid. Every time a tattoo gun draws a line on the flesh of a person, it perforates the skin thousands of times. Thus the possibility of acquiring an infection in any given tattoo is immense.
With this we come to the conclusion that person, at home or in studio, it is essential to invest in tattoo sterilization supplies. What are these supplies? There are some, but not quite as much as some people think. However, the standardization is the same for home or parlor.
First of all, each tattoo artist needs a machine, an autoclave. This piece of equipment is smaller than microwave, in most cases, and involves a process using heat, pressure and steam sterilization.
The autoclave process is very easy and starts at a basic level. Once a tattoo is finished, the artist firstly cleans the tools as best he / she can with lukewarm water. After that, they put these equipments in pocket specially designed with sterilization sensitiveness. This pocket is then placed inside the autoclave for a period of at least 55 minutes. The tools are hence left in the autoclave until next use.
Autoclaves can be purchased virtually from any major distributor of tattoo equipment, but it is strongly suggested to buy a new one only. Those used will be cheaper, but you never know what you get or how long it will last. In long term, you'll probably save money by buying new.
Another aspect that must be kept in mind is that, the tattoo artist should also sterilize his hands, arms and working area, as well as they should inspect themselves for any lacerations, cuts or abrasions.
