How to Make Tattoo Ink From Wood Ash

Wood ash can make a beautiful tattoo ink.

Tattooing is an ancient tradition which dates back to at least 3000 BCE, based on the carbon dating of a frozen tattooed mummy found in the Otztal Alps in Eastern Europe. Traditional tattoo inks were made from a simple mixture of carbon-based material, such as ashes and water. Many people interested in body modification still make their own inks with the traditional methods but often use more sanitary ingredients, as even the cleanest of water can create a bacteria-ridden ink.

Things You'll Need

• Glass bowl
• Grain alcohol
• Medicine dropper
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Dump the ashes in a large glass bowl. The amount of ashes needed depends on the size of tattoo you wish to make. For most tattoos, 1 cup of ashes should be enough.

2. Fill an empty medicine dropper with vodka. The medicine dropper provides more control over the amount of grain alcohol that goes in the ink.

3. Drop one drop of grain alcohol into the ashes every five seconds and simultaneously stir the contents with a spoon.

4. Continue this until the mixture forms a desirable consistency. All tattoo artists have different preferences when it comes to the thickness of ink, so use your best judgment for your product. If you accidentally add too much alcohol, you can simply add more wood ash.

References

• Northwest College: 5000 Years of Tattoo