Frequently Asked Questions
What is Engrave Ink?
Engrave Ink™ is the original commemorative tattoo ink formula created from the cremated ashes of your loved one or pet as a celebration to their unique and wonderful life.
Where are you located?
We are located in the State of Nevada - USA.
How much ash is required?
We require approximately one half tablespoon – 5 grams of source material (or fill the retaining kit container one quarter full). Detailed collection instructions can be found inside your shipped retaining kit. You will get a good idea of the small container’s size by seeing our "How To: Retaining Your Loved One's Ashes" video HERE. Any unused ash will be shipped back in the original sample container along with the finished bottle of Engrave Ink.
Is it safe for my tattoo artist to add ashes to the ink themselves?
It’s important to understand that a crematorium’s primary focus is cremation, not sanitation. Once the legal and regulatory standards for handling remains are met, ashes are typically transferred to a machine called a cremulator, which grinds larger bone fragments into a finer powder. This step often involves industrial equipment and open-air handling, which can introduce dust, allergens, and other contaminants. While the ashes are legally acceptable for memorial use, they are not sterile by any medical or tattooing standard — and should never be applied directly to the skin without proper processing.
- Cremation temperatures typically range from 1400°F to 1800°F, which are not high enough to eliminate all residual materials. As a result, hazardous metal particles — including those from medical implants, dental work, or environmental exposure — can remain in the ashes. No reputable tattoo artist or studio would knowingly take on the medical liability of introducing unprocessed ashes into the skin, given the health risks and legal implications.
- Most tattoo shops' only machine for sterilization is what’s called an autoclave, this machine is kept for sterilizing various metals by using a high pressure saturated steam at 121 °C (249°F). Saturated steam is not, and never will be a form of sterilization for ashes.
- Most importantly, skilled and qualified artists prioritize delivering the highest quality artwork at all times and with every customer. Beyond sanitation and medical concerns, indiscriminately sprinkling unrefined, undissolved particles into the ink will make what’s called “ink blowout” an absolute certainty.
Why do you only offer black & white ink?
Cremated remains are carbon-based and naturally take on a black or gray hue. Trying to blend these with synthetic colored pigments—like reds, blues, or greens—introduces unnecessary chemical variables and can destabilize the ink. By staying within the natural spectrum of carbon, we avoid these risks and ensure the ashes blend cleanly and safely into the ink.
Our ink is developed using refined carbon processed in a sterile, controlled lab environment. We work with only the cleanest black and white pigment bases—formulas that we’ve tested for reliability, tattoo safety, and healing. Multi-color tattoo inks can vary significantly in composition, and many aren’t designed to accommodate cremation ashes at all.
Instead of spreading ourselves thin across a rainbow of colors, we focus on refining the two that matter most. The result? Ink that performs beautifully, heals reliably, and holds deep emotional resonance—without compromise.
Black and white each hold deep emotional meaning. Black evokes remembrance, permanence, and strength. White conveys peace, purity, and continuation. These timeless tones speak directly to the purpose of commemorative tattoos—offering a respectful and meaningful tribute without distraction.
Are alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) ashes the same as flame cremation ashes?
Not exactly. While both processes reduce the body to a fine powder, the composition and structure of the remains are notably different due to the distinct methods involved.
Flame cremation results in brittle, carbon-rich ashes that are primarily composed of calcium carbonate. In contrast, aquamation yields a smoother, finer ash that consists mainly of calcium phosphate and contains little to no natural carbon. These differences can affect how the ashes behave in tattoo ink, particularly in terms of purification, consistency, and long-term stability.
At Engrave Ink, we’ve specifically engineered our process to safely and effectively handle both types of cremation remains. We use high-temperature pyrolysis to sterilize and refine the ashes according to their chemical profile. For flame cremation, this process purifies the naturally present carbon. For aquamation ashes, pyrolysis thermally transforms the mineral content into a symbolic, usable carbon structure, making them fully compatible with our ink base.
While some companies may treat all cremains the same, doing so overlooks important chemical differences that can impact the safety and quality of the ink. At Engrave Ink, we approach each order with the care, precision, and scientific integrity it deserves.
Does Engrave Ink heal differently than standard tattoo ink?
No, the length of time and healing process are identical to a standard non-commemorative tattoo.
Is aftercare for a tattoo done with Engrave Ink any different from a standard tattoo?
No. The aftercare process for a tattoo created with Engrave Ink is identical to that of a standard, non-commemorative tattoo. Our ink is fully compatible with industry-standard healing protocols and does not require any special treatment.
- Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.
- Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.
- The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of ointment on your tattoo. You may use Aquaphor, Bacitracin, A&D, Neosporin, or Tattoo Lube– whatever you know you’re not allergic to. Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo. Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. Pat off any excess ointment with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum or Bag Balm. Wash, dry and apply ointment 3-5 times daily, as needed.
Is the Engrave Ink process secure?
Absolutely. The Engrave Ink process is designed with rigorous attention to detail, ensuring both the integrity of the source material and the safety of the final product. Each set of ashes is individually tracked and processed under controlled, medically sterile conditions. This single-client handling protocol—combined with our lab-grade refinement and verification procedures—guarantees that your loved one’s ashes are treated with the highest level of care, and that the resulting commemorative tattoo ink meets our strict standards for quality, consistency, and safety.
Is Engrave Ink safe?
Yes. While medical professionals recognize that all tattoos carry some risk—since any foreign substance introduced into the body can potentially lead to irritation, infection, or rejection—Engrave Ink is developed to meet the same safety standards as professional-grade, non-commemorative tattoo inks.
Our ink is produced using a fully documented, closed-loop process and is refined in a sterile, medically controlled lab environment. Every batch undergoes strict handling, filtration, and quality protocols, making it equally as safe for tattoo application as any leading industry ink.
How do I know the ink truly contains the ashes I provided?
This is one of the most important and frequently asked questions we receive—and understandably so. It's a question similar to what families often ask a crematorium: “How can I be certain the ashes returned to me belong to my loved one?”
At Engrave Ink, we’ve implemented a rigorous and traceable process designed to minimize every possible risk and ensure the integrity of each order. This includes:
- A single-client handling protocol
- A serialized tracking and tracing system
- Documented controls before, during, and after each production phase
Each set of ashes is handled individually, with a dedicated container and batch ID from the moment they arrive to the moment your ink is sealed and shipped.
As with crematoria, 99% of this process is transparent, documented, and verifiable. The final 1%—as with any deeply personal, trust-based service—relies on the integrity and professionalism of those performing it. We take that responsibility seriously and approach each order with the respect it deserves.
When will I receive my completed bottle of Engrave Ink?
The process typically takes approximately 4 weeks from the date we receive your retaining kit sample. Because the creation of commemorative tattoo ink is a scientifically controlled procedure, some orders may take slightly longer to ensure precision and safety.
While some newer companies advertise faster turnaround times, these claims often reflect processes that lack scientific validation or rigorous quality controls. At Engrave Ink, we prioritize authenticity, traceability, and uncompromising quality, ensuring your ink is produced with the care and respect your loved one deserves.
Do you ship Engrave Ink internationally?
Yes — we’re proud to offer Engrave Ink to customers in over 20 countries worldwide.
International orders require return postage for the retaining kit, and include a $10 USD surcharge to cover enhanced packaging materials. This ensures full compliance with strict international shipping regulations and helps protect the integrity of your sample throughout transit.