"Wiping with a greasy rag, Dettol, and spit-shining are also unacceptable methods of sterilisation."
LOL. Spit-shining. Good read so far! I have been pondering my tattoo for some time, probably about a year, and still probably won't get it for atleast another few months, but it's good to have all the info I can for when I'm ready for it.
I was hoping for a part regarding ink, and advantages/disadvantages to the traditional blue, black, or coloured inks, if there are any differences. That's one of the main things I'm still not clear on.
Possible, but very unlikely. I've cut myself on my tattoo before and no visible damage at all. I'm sure if it scars, you're in trouble, though. Both from the scar in your tattoo and from having a girlfriend who scratches your back so hard!
Ink itself would need a whole new article on its own, and unless you trust your artist 100% and have known him/her since childhood - they gonna tell you they use the best and you wont know any different Im afraid.
Scratches on ink... if you look at the image below, you can see that the ink is placed in the dermis layer of your skin, below the layer where new skin is formed. As long as the scratch isnt deep enough to form a scar, then it'll be ok, same with burns and scalds.
I wanted one for years but was hesitant. One day I walked past a tattoo place in Porthmadog and 'just knew' it was the place to get it done....so I did.
And have never regretted it...if I had the money I'd have loads more.