Ink Rubbing

From BME Encyclopedia

Colored scarification through cutting and ink application.

When a cutting is done, tattoo ink can be rubbed into the fresh wound. Some of the ink stays, and the resulting scar is colored. However, it is rare for the ink to stay consistently and the result is often disappointing, looking somewhat like a poorly done tattoo. Some cutters use red ink to emphasize the cutting without emulating a tattoo.

Healing and Aftercare

It is essential that the fresh scabs from an ink rubbing NOT be picked. Just like a tattoo, if you pick the scabs, you will pull out the ink. Let the scabs fall off naturally. Once the ink is fully encapsulated in the scar, you can rub the scar if you want, but not before.

History

Ink rubbing was first popularised primarily by cutters working inside of the lesbian S&M community.