Should You Get a Watercolor Tattoo?

In recent years, watercolor tattoos have become a sought after option among tattoo enthusiasts for a couple of reasons. These beautiful tattoos look like watercolor paintings, giving them a soft quality not seen in other tattoo styles. Although these tattoos are beautiful, they do have some downsides that you must consider if you are looking to get some new ink. Should you get a watercolor tattoo? Let’s find out.

 

What Are Watercolor Tattoos?

Watercolor tattoos are a distinct style of tattoo art that diverge from traditional tattoo techniques in several ways. Unlike regular color tattoos and black and gray tattoos, watercolor tattoos feature specific styles and shading techniques that give them their unique appearance.

 

The key characteristics of watercolor tattoos include:

 

Subtle Gradients: Unlike traditional tattoos, which often consist of solid areas of color that merge together, watercolor tattoos use gradual coloring techniques. These subtle gradients create a softer, less defined appearance, mimicking the characteristics of classic watercolor paintings.
Lack of Outlines: In contrast to the majority of traditional tattoos that incorporate solid outlines or borders, watercolor tattoos typically have no outlines. This absence of bold lines contributes to their ethereal and flowing appearance.

 

Watercolor tattoos can use bold colors, but they are not bold like a traditional or neo-traditional tattoo. Watercolor tattoos have a soft quality, and while there may be hard lines implemented into the piece, the majority of the color is going to be without distinct outlines. While this contributes to the overall uniqueness of watercolor tattoos, the methods and techniques used to create them does have some drawbacks.

 

What are the Advantages of Watercolor Tattoos?

For those who are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind tattoo, the watercolor style offers distinct advantages that will give you what you want. Here are some of the pros of watercolor tattoos to consider:

 

• Eye-Catching: Watercolor tattoos offer the artist a chance to express themselves freely, meaning your tattoo won’t look like the ink on any other person’s skin.
• Vibrancy: These tattoos might look like watercolor paintings, but they are very vibrant and beautiful. The unique coloring technique makes the colors of the tattoo standout.
• Reversibility: Due to the fact that watercolor tattoos are applied in a thinner layer than more traditional tattoos, they disappear more easily with laser removal, should you wish to later erase or modify the design.

 

What are the Disadvantages of Watercolor Tattoos?

Now let’s look at some of the cons of this style, so you can decide if it’s right for you:

 

• Specialized Training: Watercolor tattoos require techniques unlike those needed for traditional or even hyper-realistic tattoos. As such, not all tattoo artists are trained in watercolor tattooing, making it challenging to find a qualified artist. Extensive research is necessary before scheduling an appointment.
• Pain: The thin layering technique used in watercolor tattoos can make them more painful than traditional tattoos. Those with a low pain tolerance may find them uncomfortable.
• Cost: Watercolor tattoos are typically more expensive than traditional tattoos due to the specialized training and equipment required.
• Durability: Watercolor tattoos are less durable than traditional tattoos, as they tend to fade over time. They may not last as long as traditional ink. Because of this, you need to take more care of them than a usual tattoo if you want to prevent fading.
• Location: Watercolor tattoos may not be suitable for all body locations, particularly areas prone to friction, as they are less durable.

 

One thing to note is that, while it is true that watercolor tattoos will fade more quickly than other styles, there is a way around that. However, experienced tattoo artists can reduce the likelihood of rapid fading by applying a black base layer to create depth and contrast. This base layer helps the tattoo maintain its recognizable form even as the lighter colors fade. Additionally, touch-ups can be done to refresh the tattoo’s vibrancy if needed, preserving its appearance over time.

 

Should You Get a Watercolor Tattoo?

Once you have considered the pros and cons, you will have your answer for whether you should get a watercolor tattoo. These tattoos are, without a doubt, unique and eye-catching. If you want ink that is bound to turn heads, then a watercolor tattoo may be right for you. Also, there are some forms of art, like Traditional Japanese, Chinese, or Korean art, for example, that can be transformed into breathtaking tattoos using the watercolor technique. In other words, the watercolor style opens up new doors for tattoos.

 

On the other hand, you have to consider the cost and durability. Sunlight and friction will affect any tattoo, but watercolor tattoos are especially prone to premature fading. You may find yourself having to get touch ups more often—which may incur an additional cost. If you are unsure if a watercolor tattoo is right for you, consider contacting a professional tattoo artist like those at Oracle Tattoo Gallery. An experienced artist can answer your questions and also give you some alternatives.

 

Looking to Get Tattooed in Bensalem, PA?

Hopefully, you now have your answer to “Should you get a watercolor tattoo?”. This tattoo style is new and has gained popularity very quickly for good reason. It’s incredible what tattoo artists can achieve with this technique. However, like any style, watercolor tattoos are not suitable for everybody. As such, you should carefully consider the pros and cons and have a consultation with a professional tattoo artist.

 

When you have made your decision to get inked, head on over to Oracle Tattoo Gallery in Bensalem, PA, where our artists will transform your ideas into incredible tattoos. Give us a call at 215-638-1601 or fill out the consultation form today. We can’t wait to hear about your dream tattoo.