In general, tattoo colors are divided into two groups: water-based and oil-based. I Brown colors are water-based, but their technology is such that they are very suitable for the face and body. Water-based paints usually have a dilute appearance and dissolve easily in water if dropped. When you apply water-based paints on your hands, the paint dries quickly. Water-based tattoo colors are usually smooth and uniform and change color less than oil-based paints. Distilled water is used to dissolve these types of paints.