The BEST Episodes of Ink Master
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Oct 8, 2019
Network: Paramount Network
Hosted by rock legend Dave Navarro and judged by icons of the tattoo world, Chris Núñez and Oliver Peck, 10 of the country's most creative and skilled tattoo artists descend on NYC to compete for a hundred thousand dollars and the title of INK MASTER. The stakes couldn't be higher with "living canvasses" donating their skin to be permanently marked in this adrenalized competition elimination.
#1 - Step Up or Shut Up
Season 12 - Episode 15
The last four artists remaining battle it out in a tattoo marathon to secure their spot in the season finale.
8.16 #2 - Moving Pictures
Season 12 - Episode 13
The artists are on their own in a test of finesse as the six remaining competitors fight for the cash prize and the title of Ink Master.
8.06 
#3 - Turning the Tables
Season 7 - Episode 12
The tables are turned when the new artists call the shots in the elimination tattoo and get revenge.
8.04 
#4 - Sink or Soar
Season 7 - Episode 9
The artists work in pairs to execute large-scale back pieces testing texture... and each other’s nerves.
8.02 #5 - Battle of the Sexes Finale
Season 12 - Episode 16
Seven veteran artists battle it out in the "Clash of the Coaches Face Off." The battle of the sexes comes to an end as the three finalists reveal their 35-hour Master Canvas tattoos and one artist wins the title of Ink Master.
7.99 #6 - Grudge Match Finale
Season 11 - Episode 16
Christian Buckingham and Cleen Rock One return to settle the grudge match once and for all. The battle concludes as the top three artists reveal their 35-hour master canvas tattoos and one artist wins the title of Ink Master.
7.98 
#7 - Unfriendly Fire
Season 12 - Episode 14
It's a battle of the sexes as the men's team takes aim at the women during an illustrative portrait challenge.
7.94 
#8 - Marathon to the Finale
Season 9 - Episode 15
The final four shops compete in a two-part tattoo marathon that will determine who goes to the live finale.
7.91 #9 - The Art Stands Alone
Season 12 - Episode 5
It's every man or woman for themselves when the artists are subject to a blind critique.
7.89 #10 - Prelude to a Bloodbath
Season 11 - Episode 15
7.87 #11 - Put Your Ink Where Your Mouth Is
Season 12 - Episode 12
The competition tests the artists' ability to market themselves when the power is in the hands of the canvases.
7.87 #12 - Salt in the Wound
Season 7 - Episode 3
Some of the artists have a tough time working in teams of two for the Flash Challenge; a veteran artist schemes to take back control.
7.86 #13 - Eyes of the Beholder
Season 3 - Episode 10
The artists take on eyelid tattoos, and Tatu Baby fights back when Joshua goes on the attack. Then, a portrait challenge sees one canvas get inked with an image of Dave.
7.85 
#14 - Shipwrecked
Season 7 - Episode 10
Alliances are tested as the remaining artists must tattoo in teams of three.
7.84 #15 - Revenge Live
Season 7 - Episode 13
The final three artists reveal two master canvases; eliminated artists return and confront each other for the first time since the competition; a winner is crowned.
7.84 #16 - Who's Got the Power?
Season 11 - Episode 13
With only six artists remaining, the power to control the game is everything. The battle for $100,000 and the title of Ink Master is more intense than ever before when the artists must collaborate to create powerful tattoos.
7.83 #17 - What Are You Crayon About?
Season 11 - Episode 14
There's nowhere to hide when the artists are tested in precision portraiture. One artist misses the mark and is sent packing. The battle continues for $100,000 and the title of Ink Master.
7.82 
#18 - Bio-Mechanical Failure
Season 8 - Episode 14
Stakes are at a competition-high when the artists must work in teams to transform canvases into cyborgs.
7.80 #19 - Sell Out
Season 9 - Episode 13
The artists put the saying, "the customer is always right," to the test when they must sell themselves to their canvases for the chance to tattoo.
7.79 #20 - By Accident or By Design
Season 12 - Episode 10
The battle for the grand prize and title of Ink Master continues as the judges test the artists' adaptability.
7.79 #21 - Pins & No Needles
Season 12 - Episode 8
The artists think outside the box as they show their understanding of color theory, then get a crash course in new school style from their coaches Jime Litwalk and Kelly Doty.
7.79 #22 - Enduring the Pain
Season 3 - Episode 12
7.79 
#23 - No One Is Safe
Season 8 - Episode 15
The battle comes to a head as the top four artists must endure a grueling tattoo marathon.
7.79 
#24 - Fight to the Finale
Season 5 - Episode 15
The last four artists battle it out with emotional outbursts, explosive fights, incredible tattoos and total fails.
7.78 #25 - Drawing Alliances
Season 12 - Episode 9
Composition must be perfect as the remaining competitors draw freehand tattoos on their canvases, and coaches James Vaughn and Megan Jean Morris offer the artists advice.
7.76