I've been thinking for ages now about getting a tattoo across the top of my back, I've came to the point where i'm going to decide and go and get it done... Does anyone know how long before one has to be recoloured exc? any information people can give me? thanks EvoBug
What do you mean by "recoloured"? The tattoos I got take between 2-4 weeks to heal, depending on how big it is, where it is and how well you take care of it. That being said, if it's a large tattoo, enough for more than one session, the tattooist, in most cases, won't continue on until after its healed. FYI: Proper care includes non-scented/non-perfumed soaps and lotions. Dont scratch. Dont go swimming for the duration of healing. Etc. I'm sure the artist will give you a whole list of DO's and DONT's. Hope that helps.
They will fade over the years especially if exposed to sunlight but we are talking years. I've had tattoos for about 40 years and the ones on my arms are fading yet others that dont get the sun are still pretty chrisp.
I got my arm "re-skimmed" as my tattooist called it six weeks after getting it done, filled in little gaps here and there aswell. As Bumsrush says, they will fade over time, I'm going to aim to get the colours dedone every five-seven years depending on complexity (I'm going to get my left arm covered in cunieform/ancient texts... Word Bearer >.<) so that take that into account. Go for it though, what are you thinking of having done aswell?
What are you thinking of getting done Evo? I've never got a tattoo, cos I've never seen something and thought "yeah, I want that printed on me, forever" Family member's names are meaningful enough, but it's not like I'm going to forget how to spell their names, and I don't feel the need to advertise how many close family members I have. The few people I know with tats didn't put much thought into it. It was kinda just "I want to get so and so done", then they did
The only bad ones are partners names... seriously. My tattoo breaks down into four lines from a song, six 'morals' I live my life by and the word "Honour" on my right arm, in a language only I can translate Then my AWESOME tattoo >.<
mine's black and has lasted 15 years or so without touching up. the back is a good place to have one as you wont see it every day so are less likely to tire of it. make sure you think through the design... possibly try a perm marker job first and see if you still like it after a week. cartoons are bad
The only reason for having a tattoo is if you're a Navy SEAL. This way people know not to f*ck with you
No they just know to f*ck you navy boys instead +let the US versus British Armed forces flamewar COMMENCE!+
Modern inks and better needles used in the last 10 years won't fade or spread the way the old stuff used to. If you getting a tattoo get something sensible and timeless, not just trendy, because you going to stuck with it for an awful long time.
Agreed with most others so far, less direct sunlight = less fading. I've only got one so far that I got on my leg. There shouldn't be noticeable fading unless you don't take care of it during healing. I'm planning on a couple more when I have the cash. I like the symbolism of dragon and phoenix so one of those(both eventually probably) will be next, I just haven't found a design I personally like enough yet.
Worth saying that if it gets infected get it looked at straight away don't leave it!! There was a fella on here that posted a picture of his which was 3 owls representing his sons that looked cool but I don't remember his username.
I have 2 Tatts now. Most tatto artists give you a list of do's and don'ts that made up from experience. You might need touching up after a couple of weeks (most artisits around here offer that for free), and again after a few years (30 or so). It depends on coplexity and colour choices, as well as skin type. Things to look out for are obviously allergies, pain levels (my new one's on my lower stomach, and that hurts quite a bit worse than on the calves) and proper aftercare.
I hear conflicting info on allergies. Some people say that with newer inks in the last 10 years or so that the likely-hood of a reaction is near nothing. Others say it's possible that your skin could reject it and the tattoo would have to be removed. Some say a reaction to certain colors is common but even then the reaction is just more itching during healing. That makes me a bit nervous on mine. The only one I've got is all black. The next ones I would like to have color but I do have some allergies and sensitive skin.
Most of mine are very old and are the old type inks, I have then on my arms chest and one on my ear. TBH I dont even notice them any more they are just there. On a side note apart from the one on my ear which is covered by by my hair all of them are in places that can be covered by normal clothing.
Thats fairly important, I'll never have any below my wrist line or above my collar-line. "It's just good business" as it were
If you are going to get one done, don't go down to the nearest tattoo shop. Save your money and go to a REALLY REALLY good tattoo artist. The thing is on you for life man, best get the best qualty you can afford.
Whatever design you choose, you'll have to ask yourself if you'll still like it in ten years. I don't have any myself, but my little brother has a number, one of which covers the inside of his forearm. IIR, he thought it was a good idea at the time, but now is looking to get it removed. To be honest, I think it's too big to be LASER'd off. However, don't let that dissuade you. In fact I'd recommend a WWI dazzle camouflage pattern. It's fashionable, modern and if you go for a dip in the Channel, ze German U-boat commanders won't know if you're coming or going.
