Design/methodology/approach Pored PTFE (PPTFE) was prepared by mixing powder PTFE and citric acid and experienced a cold-press sintering molding process. Subsequently, textured surfaces were obtained with using a tattoo strategy. Surface-textured PPTFE was thus impregnated with polyethylene glycol 200, yielding oil-impregnated and pore-connected PPTFE. Findings This study found that oil-impregnated and surface-textured PPTFE exhibited excellent tribological performances with an 82% reduction in coefficient of friction and a 72.5% lowering in wear rate comparing to PPTFE. Originality/value This study shows an efficient strategy to improve the tribological property of PTFE using a tattoo-inspired surface texturing method. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0378/