FINK Caps Expands U.S. Distributor Network for Patented Slanted-Oval Ink Caps

A habit Brad Fink picked up in late-1980s St. Louis street shops just became a patented product with a nationwide distribution deal. FINK Caps, the slanted-oval ink cap manufactured in the USA and designed by the 40-year tattoo veteran, announced on March 23, 2026 that it was accelerating its authorized distributor network across the United States and into international markets.

Unlike traditional round ink caps that sit straight upright, FINK Caps feature a forward slant and oval shape. That angled geometry aligns more naturally with the artist's wrist and hand position, reducing awkward dipping motion. The oval opening provides a more accessible ink surface area, while the slanted wall allows for smoother, more controlled loading, producing a cleaner, more ergonomic workflow than standard vertical round caps.

The origin story is pure shop-floor improvisation. Back when ergonomics were not yet part of the industry conversation, Fink adapted to what was available: by placing a simple soufflé cup in a slanted holder, he created a better angle for dipping, easier ink access, and smoother mag loading than standard flat, vertical caps allowed. Over the next 35-plus years, from co-owning Iron Age Tattoo in St. Louis and Daredevil Tattoo in New York to tattooing live on The Late Show with David Letterman, that slanted setup never changed. The press materials put it plainly: "40 years of tattooing, art, and innovation. Brad Fink's lifetime in tattooing inspired the ink cap that professionals trust."

The caps hit the market in February 2026. They are sold in bags of 1,008 ink caps, with each bag containing 21 perforated sheets of 48 caps apiece, designed so artists can tear off individual caps or use multiple caps together as a strip to keep the workstation organized and stable during sessions. The oval shape allows more room to load mag needles and blend tattoo ink smoothly, helping artists work cleaner while using less ink. A wide base design prevents tipping, even on busy workstations.

The current lineup centers on The Originals, the brand's standard white slanted oval cap. Three colorways are scheduled to land this summer: Boss Pink (chrome pink), OG FINK (metallic gold), and Jungle Pop (exotic). Additional smaller size variations are also in development to meet artist demand for task-specific cap options.

For distribution, FINK Caps named two launch partners: Alliance Tattoo Supply (alliancetattoosupply.com) and Lucky Supply USA (luckysupplyusa.com). The caps are clean-room manufactured, patented, and proudly made in the USA, a process designed to ensure consistent quality, cleanliness, and reliability for professional tattoo environments. Tattoo supply companies, wholesalers, and retailers interested in joining the authorized network can apply at finkcaps.com/distributor-application. Artists looking to purchase can find authorized retailers at finkcaps.com, and the brand is active on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok at @finkcaps. Media inquiries go to Cameron Fink at cameron@finkcaps.com.

For a community that has spent decades MacGyvering better setups out of whatever was at the station, there is something fitting about the fact that the most buzzy new supply product of early 2026 traces directly back to a repurposed soufflé cup.