What Does It Mean to "Pack" Ink in Tattooing?

You're in the chair for a new tattoo. The linework is done, and now it's time for the color or the deep black shading. You hear your artist say they're about to start "packing" the ink in. For a client, this can be an unfamiliar term, but it describes one of the most crucial and intense parts of the tattoo process.

So, what does it mean to "pack" ink in tattooing? Understanding this technique is key to understanding why some parts of the tattoo process are more painful than others and why a flawless aftercare routine is so important.

Defining "Packing" Ink: The Art of Saturation

"Packing" is the technical term for the method an artist uses to fill an area of a tattoo with a dense, solid, and fully saturated field of color or black ink. The goal is to make the color look completely solid and opaque, with no light spots or inconsistencies.

This is the technique used to create:

• The vibrant, solid colors in a Neo-Traditional or color realism tattoo.

• The deep, rich black shading in an American Traditional piece.

• The solid coverage of a "blackout" tattoo.

The Technique: How Artists Pack Ink

To pack ink, an artist typically uses a large needle grouping called a magnum shader. They move the machine in a steady, methodical motion, making repeated, overlapping passes over the same area of skin. They are literally "packing" the pigment particles tightly into the dermis to achieve that solid, opaque look and avoid any missed spots (often called "holidays").

The Sensation: Why Packing is So Painful

This brings us to a classic question: "Does shading a tattoo hurt more than the outline?" For most people, the answer is yes, and the technique of packing is the primary reason why.

While the outline might feel like a sharp scratch, packing ink is a different kind of pain.

• It's Repetitive Trauma: The artist is going over the same patch of skin again and again. This makes the skin progressively more raw, tender, and inflamed.

• It's a Burning Sensation: What does getting a tattoo feel like when it's being packed? It's often described as a deep, raw, and abrasive burning sensation, rather than a sharp line.

• It Takes a Long Time: Packing color or black is a slow, meticulous process. Enduring this intense, burning sensation for hours is what makes it a true test of endurance.

The Aftermath: Healing a Densely Packed Tattoo

A tattoo that has been heavily packed is a sore tattoo. The intense trauma means the initial healing process will be more severe. You can expect more swelling, redness, and a longer weeping phase. How to care for a new tattoo that has been packed requires a diligent aftercare routine.

• The intense inflammation needs to be managed. Our No Pain Tattoo Soothing Gel is the perfect tool for the first few days to calm the "fiery" feeling.

• Preventing thick scabs is critical. Our No Pain Tattoo Aftercare Balm provides the breathable moisture needed to ensure the heavily worked skin heals with a light, healthy peel.

The Solution for a Long Packing Session

Because the process is so long and painful, a smart pain management plan is the best way to ensure a successful session.

• Our No Pain Tattoo Numbing Cream can deeply numb the skin beforehand, allowing your artist to pack the ink perfectly on a still, comfortable canvas.

The Verdict: "Packing" is the highly skilled technique of creating a solid, vibrant field of color or black. It's an intense and often painful process, but it's the secret to the bold, beautiful tattoos you love. By understanding the process and preparing for it, you can make the experience a much more manageable one.