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.
How Much Ash Is Required?
We require approximately one half tablespoon – 7 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 containers 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 possible to have my tattoo artist put ashes in the ink at the shop?
It’s important to remember that a crematoriums’ main focus is not sanitation – it’s cremation. Once the crematorium achieves the regulatory and legislative standards required for handling remains, they will typically transfer the ashes out for placement in a cremulator – an industrial tool which uses a metal ball in a rotating drum to reduce the size of the larger particles, potentially collecting a wide range of external allergens, and particulates during the collection and storage process.
- 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.
- Cremation temperatures range from 1400°F – 1800°F, these lower temperatures leave hazardous metal particles commonly found in the body behind. No experienced artist or shop would allow themselves to become susceptible to such medical liability.
- 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.
Is the Engrave Ink® process secure?
Because of the extra attention that Engrave Ink® must pay to every detail in the process, Engrave Ink® ensures that not only are your loved ones handled with care and respect, but also that you receive the highest quality commemorative tattoo ink possible.
Does Engrave Ink® heal differently than other non-commemorative tattoo ink?
No, the length of time and healing process are identical to a standard non-commemorative tattoo.
Is caring for a tattoo done using Engrave Ink® different than other non-commemorative tattoo ink?
No, both bandaging and after bandage care are identical to a standard non-commemorative tattoo.
- 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 Engrave Ink® safe?
Most medical professionals caution that, any time you put a foreign substance in your body, being any form of tattoo or piercing, you run the risk of problems ranging from rejection to infection. Using our completely detailed internal process combined with state of the art sanitation methods ensure our commemorative tattoo ink is considered equally as safe as any other leading brand of non-commemorative tattoo ink available today.
How do I, as a relative, know that the tattoo ink I receive was actually produced from the ashes that I made available?
Naturally, this question is asked very frequently. A similar question is asked at a crematorium: ‘How do I know for certain that the ashes in the urn are that of my deceased loved one?’ Engrave Ink® has taken every effort to restrict the risks, which will always be present, to guarantee our product is as advertised and nothing less. We use a completely detailed internal process based on a meticulous working method, an advanced tracking and tracing system and careful checks before, during and after every process phase. However, the same applies here as to the response to the ‘ashes-urn’ question asked at crematoria: 99% is provable and demonstrable. The final 1% is a question of trust.
How long until the finished bottle of Engrave Ink® is in my hands?
The process takes on average, 4 weeks from the date your retaining kit sample is received. As the creation of commemorative tattoo ink is a highly complex process, the procedure can take more time. We assure you that quality and precision have first priority.
Is international shipping available?
Yes, we happily offer Engrave Ink® to over 20 countries. International orders require return postage of the retaining kit, and are charged an additional $10 USD to cover the added cost of packaging materials, which ensure we meet the strict international shipping guidelines.
How much does a bottle of Engrave Ink® cost?
