Alright. I've decided on a few things that i'd like to have on my skin. Specifically, a peace sign. After a lot of consideration, it seems that a brand would work better than ink, as i'm going for somthing more subtle. I've done plenty of research, and i know everything i'll ever need to about burn treatment (boyscouts FTW) and patching myself up. Sterility isn't a problem either. With this said, i'm wondering if there are any tips that might be given. There's very little online about technique, unfortunately. Thanks.
There isn't a whole lot to say about technique, really. It just depends on how you want to do it. Some people use a cautery pen or gun... which is more or less like those things you get in wood burning kits (seriously). It's slower and if you don't have an extremely steady hand, it could turn out bad. Some people make an actual branding iron, and I can't give you any advice on how to do that, it all depends on how big you want the brand to be. Some people will just use something like a paperclip and bend it to the design (like say, the circle for the peace sign and then do the lines seperately, because I can't think of how you'd do a whole peace sign, but I'm not feeling especially creative tonight). I don't know what other advice I can really give you. Oh, yes I do. Make sure whatever you use is really nice and hot, and make it quick... you don't want the metal to cool fast and stick to your skin. Not only would it just generally suck, but you'd be left with a messed up design. And if you end up not scarring well (the reason I'm not doing any cutting/branding on myself, because I hardly scar at all) don't be too disappointed, you can always have it tattooed over in white or a really light pinkish colour to make it look more scar-like if that's really how you want it to look.
I wouldn't do it myself, but if you feel capable then go ahead... How would you actually make the peace sign? Bend some metal then heat and apply? Eeeks
I've had alot of experience working with metal (i'm an avid mailler. Think ancient form of armor). I bent some stainless into a crow's foot and heated it up With a torch and some pliers. After maybe 15 seconds under the flame, i took it out and pushed it onto my skin. There was a tiny bit of smoke, but it came out pretty well. So long as i don't end up with keloids or something this should turn out well.
What you did is reffered to as strike branding. It quick and you don't need to "draw" the burn onto your skin. Branding is an inexact art. Sometimes they turn out like crap and sometimes they look good. bmezine.com has some more info. The one thing I will say is that even though the scar may not be as prominent as a tattoo, its still permanent. Branding is also very easy to F up. I've seen some absolute crap done by "professional" scarrification artist. Not always their fault because personal healing has a lot to do with the end product, but just be sure to remember you're permanently scarring yourself. cheers
My buddy had a wrist band with a metal marijuana emblem on it. Heated that up, and stuck it on his right pec. Came out good untill the scab started coming off, still likes like a leaf though. I have one of those lighter smiley faces on my ass... its pretty cool i guess. Lol.
