6 Best Black Tattoo Inks 2020
Whether you are a new tattoo artist just starting to build your kit or have years of experience, there is no doubt that you need a supply of high quality black ink. Black ink is used for everything from single color tattoos to outlining and shading multicolor designs.
The tattoo market is huge and flooded with ink containing pigments of varying quality. If you are unsure about where to begin or are searching for a new staple for your kit, check out the list below. We’ve rounded up the best black tattoo ink products so you don’t have to spend hours searching on your own.
Top 6 Types of Black Tattoo Inks Chart
Picture | Name | Size | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Black Outlining Ink 6oz | 6 oz. | $$$ | 4.6 |
![]() | 2. Skin Candy tattoo ink, all purpose black,1oz. | 1 oz. | $$$ | 4.6 |
![]() | 3. Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink Zuper Black 12 oz | 12 oz. | $$$$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 4. BLACK ONYX Millennium Moms 1oz Tattoo Ink 1 oz Mom's | 1 oz. | $$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 5. Starbrite Sterilized Tattoo Ink Tribal Black Dark 1/2oz | 0.5 oz. | $ | 4.2 |
![]() | 6. Kokkai Sumi Tattoo Black Lining Tribal Shading Ink 4-oz -Tattoo Supplies | 4 oz. | $ | 4.1 |
Consider These Things When Shopping for Black Ink!
It’s worth it to do your research before purchasing tattoo ink. You’ll want to ensure you are using quality, safe ingredients, whether you are tattooing yourself or clients.
While all of the inks in the list below are affordable, the amount of product you will receive varies quite a bit. If you want your purchase to go a long way, make sure you pay attention to the number of fluid ounces each brand offers.
Top 3 Best Black Tattoo Ink Reviews
1. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Black Outlining Ink

Kuro Sumi is widely known for manufacturing the best black tattoo ink on the market. This ink is a very solid black shade, which is great for outlining, filling, numbers, lettering, and more.
The ink is great quality, which helps tattoos heal quickly. The black pigment stays dark, withstanding the test of time better than many other brands that can tend to fade or turn a blueish hue.
The consistency of the ink itself is quite remarkable. It is neither too thin nor too thick. It runs smoothly through the tips of any tattoo machine for an even, trouble-free application with no clotting whatsoever. It works well with any size shader or liner, so you can use it in all elements of your tattoo art.
Another key benefit of this tattoo ink is its price value. It comes in a fairly sizeable 6-ounce bottle and is much more affordable than many other brands that it outperforms.
If you are looking for a dark, dependable, hassle free black ink for all of your tattoo work, you cannot go wrong with this product from Kuro Sumi. Once you add it to your kit, you’ll find it hard to ever replace it.
2. Skin Candy tattoo ink, all purpose black

Skin Candy’s all-purpose black ink is another reliable option for lining and shading work. The black hue is dark and rich. Once applied, the black ink stays true to its original color.
There are so many things to love about this product besides its great color. It has a great consistently and flows through tattoo machines without any issue. It sinks into the skin easily and looks beautiful once applied. If you spill any of the ink on the surface of the skin or your workstation, you need not worry – The ink washes away quickly and easily.
This ink has a shelf life of over two years, so if you aren’t tattooing on a constant basis, you don’t need to feel frustrated about throwing out wasted product. If you run a salon or your own freelancing business, you can stock up without worrying that the product will go stale within a few months.
This product is made in the United States, which is a bonus for anybody who wants to support American made products and ensure that their ink abides by standards of hygiene and safety enforced by the United States government.
If you’re searching for a high quality black ink that can be used for tribal tattoos, outlining, shading, and more, you shouldn’t hesitate to try this product. It ranks among the best on the market and is totally trustworthy for using on both yourself and your customers.
3. Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink Zuper Black

For an extra intense black ink that will show up on absolutely everybody, no matter how dark his or her skin color, Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink in Zuper Black will be a great choice for you.
This ink is as black as you can get. It’s excellent for tattooing people of color, as the ink will really show up on their skin. Regardless of your clients’ skin tone, this black ink is perfect for any kind of tribal tattoo, as well as for outlining work. Letters will show up clearly and precisely as well.
Based on its incredible color and its great consistency, you’ll likely reach for this ink every time you tattoo. Luckily, this tattoo ink has great price value, as it is sold in a large 12-ounce package. You’ll be able to work with this ink for quite some time without running out.
Intenze products are safe and sterile and were developed in conjunction with some of the world’s best tattoo artists. If you want to find a no-holds-barred black that is deeper than all the rest, then try this product and fall in love with it like everyone else.