Cremation ink® FAQS
Answering some of the common questions we get asked
Ashes into tattoo ink Faqs
Cremation Ink ® Question And Answers
Cremation Ink® is your loved one’s ashes infused with high quality sterile tattoo ink. The infusion of the cremation ashes with the ink, makes for the ultimate memorial tattoo, carrying your loved one with you always.
What Happens After I Order Cremation Ink ® ?
Once you place your order for your chosen ink/s, we start to prepare a kit to send to you. The kit contains everything you need to return the ashes to us in safe and sturdy manner. The kit also contains instructions on how much of your lost loved one’s ashes to return to us per tattoo ink bottle required. We usually dispatch the kits within 3-4 days and use fast postal services to get the kit to you as soon as possible.
Once you receive the kit, follow the easy instructions and return your ashes to us for processing. Once we receive the ashes, an expert technician will follow the your ashes throughout the processing, thus ensuring that the ashes are dealt with in a singular manner. Due to this technique we can guarantee there will be no mix up of an ashes, as each order is processed one at a time. We will then return your ashes infused tattoo ink back to you, also including any ashes that were not completely used within the process. The turn around time on our side is from 5 to 10 days depending upon the amount of orders we are individually processing. Any ashes you send that we do not use in the process will be returned to you at the same time as your bespoke tattoo ink.
Once you receive your bespoke ashes infused ink, you can go to your local tattoo studio to get the tattoo you feel your beloved departed deserves.
Is it not safe for a tattoo studio to just put the ashes into some ink?
You need a homogenization of the cremated ashes to bring the ashes down to the size of the pigment molecules to get true infusion between the ashes and the tattoo ink. Whereas a tattoo studio would not have the capabilities to reduce and sterilize to the temperatures needed to achieve beyond hospital sterility standards. Tattoo studios utilize an autoclave to bring the sterilization to 121C, our process takes these temperatures much higher for a 100 % guarantee of complete sterilization.
At Cremation Ink ® we don't just sterilize your ashes, as they run through our systems we run multi layer sterilization processes to ensure each stage is clean and sterile and is to our high standards. We also remove and filter out all heavy metals, medicinal remnants and other harmful contaminants from the cremation ashes to ensure you get a great and safe tattooing ink.
Safety for your loved one’s cremation ashes.
Once you make your order, then a profile code is made, that is tracked from you to us and then through the process, so at all stages we can ensure that you get only the ashes that you sent to us infused into the tattoo ink and any remaining ashes will also be returned to you. What you send, you will get back, so you are safe in the knowledge that none of your loved one’s ashes will go missing and not be returned to you.
Each order that comes through is carried through the whole process by the same technician. This protocol and work ethic that we have initiated, is to ensure that your loved one’s ashes will be dealt with the same person, who will track the infusion throughout the whole process. This guarantees that there is a respect and care in place to ensure the safety of your loved one’s ashes.
After care for your cremation ink tattoo
How to look after a tattoo that has been done with Cremation Ink ®, is the same as any other tattoo, we always recommend Bepanthen to our clients and this applied twice a day for a week will keep the colors and quality of the ink, fresh and bright for years to come. Feel free to follow the advice of your chosen artist for what their studio recommends for tattoo healing.
Cremation ink Tattoo Inks (A guide for your Tattooist.)
We use only the best pigment to ensure that the tattoo lasts longer and stays brighter. The Ink hold a very high pigment/ percentage to ensure bright vibrant tattoos that don’t look washed out.
The Ink is homogenized, and the pigment molecule reduced to much lower molecular size than standard tattoo ink. This makes for much easier application and cleaner work, when using bug pins and more stylized designs, etc and reduces over working of the skin. This ink can be used to re-color over old tattoos, as well as for lining, shading and color packing, all basis applications in tattoo design and implementation. The ink even when infused with the clients loved one’s ashes, holds a very low viscosity, so is very easy for the tattooist to use and can be used for all tattoo styles.
Can Cremation Ashes Be Mailed?
Whilst some shipping and postal countries frown on the shipping of cremation ashes, due to them looking like illegal substances, most countries will allow the shipping of cremation ashes, especially within the confines of the country.
Can Cremation Ashes Be Shipped?
Yes, but there is a grey line here which is interpreted by each country. The shipping of human body parts etc is not allowed, but for the most part the shipping of cremation ashes is allowed. There may at times be cases where they are opened by the customs of that particular country, but this is due to them begin tested to make sure they are not illegal drugs.
Who Owns Cremation Ashes?
The ownership of cremation ashes for the most part is covered in a person’s will. Although if there is no will declaring the fact or deed of ownership, the person who paid and collected the ashes is seen as the person who is responsible and thus in turn owning the ashes in the eyes of the law in most countries.
Who Do Cremation Ashes Belong To?
Whilst there is no true law attached to the ownership of cremation ashes in most countries, the common consensus is that in the first instance the will should be checked for any declaration regarding ownership, (or requested ownership) of the ashes. If non is stated, the person who is classed as the benefactor of the will is usually the person of choice. If that is unclear the school of thought is that the person.
Who Has Rights To Cremation Ashes?
In the first instance, the rights to ownership of cremation ashes is given to the direct family. In some cases, this is not applicable and so the rights are given to the person who has paid for the funeral and is picking up the ashes. For the most part a lawyer or solicitor is involved to fulfil the will of the deceased, so if there are no arguments or issues with regards to the ownership of the deceased’s ashes, then the lawyer or the solicitor is best involved.
Where Do Cremation Ashes Go?
When it comes to pet cremation for the most part the ashes are mailed to or picked up by the pet owners. With regards to human ashes, then the funeral home that has arranged the cremation is usually the receiver of the ashes. The funeral home has to abide by strict laws with regards to keeping the ashes. In the UK the funeral home has to legally retain the ashes for 50 years before they can clinically dispose of them.
Where Can Cremation Ashes Be Scattered ?
Since cremation ashes are organic in nature, they can be scattered within reason in most places. If your lost loved one loved a particular place, then this would be a fitting place to scatter their ashes. The only time there is a cost involved is if the scattering of the ashes is carried out on a legal basis within church grounds. Many people to avoid the heavy costs implied by religious areas for scattering of the ashes on sacred ground, avoid this by scattering them at a quiet or private time. Just remember to check the weather if your deciding to scatter ashes.
Rain or heavy winds will impede and natural grace in the scattering process. The best way to scatter ashes is to have some in your hand and pretend you are chucking a ball under arm to a child. This is classed as one of the most distinguished ways to perform the scattering of the ashes.
Where To Spread Cremation Ashes?
Where to spread the ashes is a question only answered by the deceased. They may have a favorite place or scenario or even a favorite football team. Scattering their ashes in their favorite place if possible is one of the best ways to remember and hour your lost loved one. Some people choose to separate the ashes into portions, placing the ashes in various favorite places, whilst some will find a very beautiful place and scatter them there, the solitude and peace of the surroundings fitting towards the placement.
Where Can You Spread Cremation Ashes?
As cremation ashes are bio degradable to a vast extent, there are not many places you can’t spread your beloveds ashes. The only issue arises with the person or powers that own the area where you want to scatter the ashes. They may have a negative attitude to the idea. Whilst we cannot condone anything illegal, many clients we have spoke to have just gone forward and scattered the ashes where they feel fit and in a more private manner to make sure their loved one’s wish has been honored.
Do Cremation Ashes Smell?
One of the first things that is evaporated in the cremation process is the smell of decay. The cremation process is to such a high temperature that the cremation ashes come out, after the process with no smell attached. There may be some nasal sensitivity towards the very small particles of dust, but there should be no smell attached to the ashes when you receive them.
Do Cremation Ashes Float?
Cremation ashes half and half float, but for the most part sink. The ashes are usually in a broken-down state that is still large enough to penetrate the surface tension of the water and so will sink. The smaller the particles, the slower they will sink to the bottom. The very small reduced ashes will not be able to break the surface tension of the water and will stay on the top and float. This is something to keep in mind if you are contemplating scattering ashes in a lake or the sea, or for that matter, any body of water.
Do Cremation Ashes Have DNA?
No, for the most part, cremation ashes do not contain DNA from your lost one. DNA is a very fragile substance and cannot with stand the heat associated with a cremation. There may be a very small amount left from the process, held within the femurs of the deceased that when broken down in the milling machines, leaves a small residue, depending on the time used within the process. But overall, there is no true DNA residual within the cremation ashes. There are heavy metals and traces of chemicals, deposited by medicine still within the ashes after the process.
Do Cremation Ashes Harm Plants?
Once reduced to cremation ashes, many people scatter ashes onto plants. The plants will see the ash as a natural fertilizer and thus thrive on it being introduced. The remains are mainly the remains of the bones of your loved one and the same as farmers use bone powder as a fertilizer on their crops to promote them to grow bigger, the same can be said for the benefits of scattering cremation ashes onto plants.
Do Cremation Ashes Have Bones?
Yes, cremations ashes for the most part are mainly composed of bones. The cremation ashes you receive will have no distinguished features in them that looks like a bone, as after the process, the bones are placed in a cremation bone milling machine that reduces the size of the ashes to presentable size. There is no need to request the reduction of the bone particle size as for the most part they are reduced within the same room as part of the actual cremation process.
Do Cremation Ashes Contain DNA?
Due to the very fragile nature of DNA, cremation ashes are classed as holding no DNA, but on a forensic level there may be a very, very small amount left that was protected in the creation process that was held in the deceased persons femurs. The amount of residual DNA is dependent on the timing and heat process carried out by the chosen cremation process business. The longer and higher the temperature used in the cremation process, the mess chance of there being any residual DNA left behind. Most modern-day crematoriums utilize protocol which remove any DNA from the cremation ashes.
Do Cremation Ashes Include Coffin?
The wood in a coffin will not withstand the temperatures produced in the cremation process. There may be some small amounts of the coffin included in the ashes, such as minute amounts of oils, but that are not visual to the eye. The fixings of the coffin, such as the tacks for fixing the linings and handles etc may be included in the remains, left after the process, but the crematorium technicians will remove these with magnets and also any handles and visual remnants of the coffin by hand. They strive to make sure the ashes you receive are purely that of your loved one and nothing else.
Do Cremation Ashes Have To Be Buried?
Cremation ashes and what you do with them is completely up to you. There is no need to bury them if you feel the need not to. A lot of people keep them in urns or scatter them. The only time that burying ashes should be a though is if the lost loved one held religious beliefs that recommend burial of the ashes on the understanding that in their religion this brings relief to the soul. Roman catholic is one of the religions that recommend burying cremation ashes in sacred ground. The pricing for this varies, but as an example in the UK, for the cremation ash to be interned in the ground and a blessing by a priest read.
Can You Split Cremation Ashes?
If your wondering if you can split cremation ashes, then yes you can. There are a couple of way to do in a dignified manner if not requested to be done by the funeral director. Maker sure you cover a table with cling film, so ever possible spilt bit can be re-interned into a container. Make sure no children or animals are about and the windows are closed. Then for a more accurate way of splitting the ashes, weigh the containers to be used and place the required amounts in each receptacle, till they are either split in a fair amount or into the required amounts.
Can You Take Cremation Ashes On To An Airplane?
Taking cremation ashes onto a plane is not usually an issue. The issue is the customs officers in the country you are leaving and arriving at. Carrying a large container of powder through may raise some suspicion, so the best thing to do for peace of mind is to speak to the airport and ask them if there will be a problem. We had a personal friend who wanted to be returned in ashes form to Iceland and we got rejected by the airport. So, another friend just said nothing, but did take a death certificate and id of the departed if this was problem and had no issues on either end. They would never take them off you forever, but you may have to pay for them to be returned back to your home address.
Can You Post Cremation Ashes?
Cremation ashes are mailed to some funeral directors, depending on where the process took place. International posting of cremation ashes can be a grey area with some countries due to their view on the laws with the ban on mailing of human body parts. For the most part and for 95% of the countries in the world, they will have no issues posting ashes. Make sure you add a return to sender address, so if the receiving countries customs refuse to allow the ashes into the country, they can safely return them to you.
Can You Put Cremation Ashes In A Tattoo?
Placing cremation ashes into tattoos is where we at Cremation Ink ® specialize. With over 10 years’ experience in this very bespoke service, we deal with clients from around the world making their desire to have their loved one’s ashes placed in a tattoo to stay with them forever. Once you place and order, we will ship you a kit for you to return to use with your loved one’s ashes in (we only need a small amount) and we then process the cremation ashes in a way that guarantees there can no mix up of ashes.
Then your loved one’s ashes, after on last sterilization of many, the ashes are infused into the tattoo ink. This is then return back to you, as well as any of your loved one’s ashes we did not use in the process and you can go to your local tattoo studio and they will use the ashes to create the ultimate memorial tattoo to honor your lost loved one.
Can You Take Cremation Ashes Abroad?
The only restriction you will encounter on taking cremation ashes abroad are from the customs staff in your chosen departure and arrival airport. There is no real law stating that they can not go on a plane, we just recommend that you take the death certificate, any available id of the departed and the funeral director’s number, if they are needed to be rang to assure that the ashes are that of your loved one. If in doubt contact your arrival and departing airports and talk to their customer services staff to check. They cannot take the ashes away from you and never give them back, only remove them if they feel fit and post them back to you in your place of residence.
Can You Use Cremation Ashes?
Many people do some very interesting things with cremation ashes. You can use cremation ashes for oil painting, mixing into ink and obviously mixing with tattoo ink to get a tattoo done with your lost ones ashes infused into them. A quick look over our site, as well as delving into the internet will give you a vast array of options when it comes to using cremation ashes to memorialize your loved one.
What Do Cremation Ashes Look Like?
If your wondering what cremation ashes look like, for the most a part they look like a light grey sand. With the many clients we have worked with over the years we have noticed that occasionally they may have a yellowish tinge to them and we once dealt with a lost pet’s ashes that were very dark grey. Mostly though they look light grey and if you look at the site in the process section, there is a picture there of cremation ashes to assure you of the standard look and composition of cremation ashes.
What Are Cremation Ashes Made Of?
What are cremation ashes made of if a common question we come across within our industry. They are not filled with coffin remains as some site will spectacularly claim. We have personally watched various crematorium process. The remains that are removed after the process, are first sifted for any obvious remains that are not truly of your beloved, such as coffin handles and artificial joints etc. Then they are passed through a magnet to remove any remaining metal and then placed in to a milling machine which will reduce the ashes in to a more uniform size and a consistency that is more appealing to the person who is the receive or view the ashes.
What Are Cremation Ashes?
Cremation ashes are the remains of your loved one, that have been passed through a process of intense heat. This process reduces the deceased’s body to mainly bone remnants. These bones in turn are reduced in size in a machine called a mill to a grey sand like consistency. The cremation process is one of the most economical options available for most people and also leaves the smallest environmental footprint.
There are even more questions and answers on the pages below.
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