Watercolour tattoos look more like art on a canvas than ink on skin.
As an artist who focuses on this style, I often get a ton of questions, and many of them are rooted in some pretty popular myths.
I’d like to clear up some of these so you have the accurate information you need before deciding on a watercolour tattoo.
So, let’s dive into some of the most common myths about watercolour tattoos and see what’s true (or not) behind the rumours.
Do Watercolour Tattoo Artists Use Special Inks?
One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that watercolour tattoos require special inks to achieve their distinctive look. This idea makes sense at first glance, but here's a secret: no special inks are required!
Watercolour tattoos are created using the same high-quality pigments as any other tattoo.
The difference lies in the technique, not the materials. Traditional tattooing relies on bold outlines and shading, whereas watercolour tattoos are all about subtle blending, light washes, and careful use of negative space. The softness comes from how we layer the ink, mimicking the look of watercolours on paper, but the pigments themselves are no different than those used in any other style. So, if you’re looking for longevity, what matters is the quality of the ink and the skill of the artist.
Do watercolour tattoos have outlines?
In traditional tattooing, outlines are essential. These dark lines provide structure, guide the eye through the design, and help the tattoo maintain its shape as time goes on. Outlines can make the art pop, especially when using bright colors, and they ensure clarity and longevity of the tattoo.
Watercolour tattoos differ from these traditional rules. The aim of this style is to capture the fluid, organic feel of watercolor paintings, often featuring softer edges and blended shades. Instead of strict outlines, watercolour tattoos evoke a sense of artistry and creativity without the sharp lines typical of traditional tattoos.
That said, watercolour tattoos do use outlines, but in a more subtle way.
Getting a little technical, I personally use coloured fine lines that hide within the watercolour shading effect or black fine lines for clients that like to mix different styles.
Both coloured and black outlines allow the vibrant inks to shine while still providing some structure. Subtle outlines can help separate colours and add depth, improving the overall design.
When discussing your tattoo design with your artist, think about what you want.
If you prefer a more defined look with black fine lines or you want a flowing, outline free watercolour look with coloured/non visible outlines.
Regardless of whether your tattoo has dark or coloured outlines, proper aftercare is essential for keeping the colours vibrant. Protect your tattoo from sun exposure, keep it moisturized, and follow your artist's care instructions to ensure it remains bright and beautiful for years.
Do Watercolour Tattoos Hurt More?
Pain is always a big topic when it comes to tattoos, and watercolour tattoos are no exception. Some people think the softer, more delicate appearance means that the process will be gentler on the skin. Unfortunately, that’s not quite true.
Whether or not a tattoo hurts more depends more on the location, your personal pain tolerance, and the artist’s technique than the style itself. Since watercolour tattoos involve a lot of layering and blending, they may actually take longer to complete, which could result in you sitting through a longer session. However, the pain level is generally comparable to any other colour tattoo.
If you’re someone who doesn’t tolerate pain well, there are some tips to help! Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine before your appointment, and make sure you eat something. And remember, it’s always okay to ask for a break during the session if you need it.
Do Watercolour Tattoos Cost More?
This is a tricky one because the cost of a tattoo depends on many factors: the artist, the size of the piece, the complexity of the design, and the time it takes to complete.
While watercolour tattoos don’t inherently cost more just because they’re watercolour, they do often require more time to create. The detailed layering, blending, and use of negative space that makes watercolour tattoos so striking can take longer than a more traditional tattoo, especially if you want a piece with lots of colours and intricate details. That extra time might increase the price.
Additionally, experienced watercolour tattoo artists who are skilled in creating these delicate designs might charge a premium for their expertise. So while the cost isn’t necessarily higher for watercolour tattoos, it could be higher if you’re paying for the artist’s specialised skill.
Do Watercolour Tattoos Fade Quicker?
Ah, the big one. This is probably the most common myth I hear about watercolour tattoos, for more specific information read my blog post about how long watercolour tattoos last.
While it’s true that lighter colours like pastels and yellows tend to fade more quickly than darker inks, this isn’t unique to watercolour tattoos, it applies to all tattoo styles.
What matters more than the style is how well you care for your tattoo. All tattoos, regardless of style, will fade over time due to factors like sun exposure, skin aging, and your body’s natural healing process. To keep your watercolour tattoo looking vibrant, make sure you:
• Follow aftercare instructions religiously, especially in the first few weeks.
• Use sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV rays.
• Stay hydrated and moisturise your skin regularly to keep it healthy.
It’s All About the Artist and Aftercare
When it comes to watercolour tattoos, the two most important factors are choosing a talented artist and taking good care of your ink.
Like any tattoo style, watercolour tattoos require skill, experience, and attention to detail. If you’re thinking about getting one, do your research and find an artist who specialises in the style, someone who understands the techniques needed to make your tattoo last.
And once you’ve got your piece, it’s up to you to keep it looking vibrant.
Good aftercare, sun protection, and regular use of moisturising cream will go a long way toward preserving those beautiful washes of colour.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!
I’m always happy to talk about tattoo care, especially when it comes to debunking myths.
Thanks for reading!
Lavale