You’ve seen them on the street and they just look awesome. So now you’re thinking that you want a sleeve tattoo. In this article I will try to give some insight on different variations of sleeve tattoos as well as what to expect when starting a tattoo process as lengthy as a tattoo sleeve.
What Type Of Tattoo Sleeve Do You Want?
The first thing you need to do, even before choosing a design or theme for the tattoo, is to decide what type of tattoo sleeve you want to get. Variations include full, three-quarter, half, and quarter sleeves. As the names imply each variation defines where the tattoo stops on the arm as measured from the shoulder.
Keep in mind that there will be times when you will want to cover your tattoo such as job interviews, corporate meetings, court, etc. Your choice on sleeve length should be based on your acceptance level of exposed tattoos. Like it or not tattoos do carry a stigma and the longer your sleeve the more difficult it is to cover up.
How Long Does A Sleeve Tattoo Take?
Besides the length of the tattoo sleeve, the bigest factor in the amount of time a tattoo will take is the choice between full-color or black and grey. Full-color tattoos take much longer to complete as every square inch of the skin must be penetrated with ink.
I have two full-color quarter sleeve tattoos. They go from my shoulder to about six inches from my elbow. They are just barely covered by a t-shirt, which allows me to work in a corporate environment without discrimination from tattoos.
Each of my quarter sleeves took roughly 20-22 hours of tattooing to complete. Given my experience a full color sleeve can take as much as 40-50 hours of solid tattooing to complete. My buddy has a full sleeve biomech tattoo in black and grey. His tattoo took only 30-35 hours to complete as it was only black and grey.
As you can see any type of tattoo sleeve is going to take several extended tattooing sessions to complete. Durring this time it is important to keep your tattoo out of the sun so your colors don’t fade between the initial start of the tattoo and the final session. This is more important for color tattoos as opposed to black and grey, but still important.
7 responses so far ↓
1 thedalmation // Aug 12, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I have the beginnings of a half sleeve and i love it. I wish i would have gotten it sooner but then maybe i wouldn’t have chosen as wisely with the design.
2 Diamond // Jul 21, 2009 at 2:07 am
I want to get a sleeve, but I still haven’t decided on the design yet but I know that I want something meaningful to me. That being said how long should I wait inbetween sessions for getting sleeves, does it make a difference in the final outcome?
3 Levi Anderson // Sep 1, 2009 at 9:57 am
I have a full sleave tattoo in color that ive done myself. i typically like to try and fit something in that fits with the theme blended with colors. it took me close to a year to complete with all the thought that goes into it, its wise to wait till an area heals before bringing a needle close to it to continue so you dont mess up the designs
4 Tattoo Sleeve Sun Protection // Mar 2, 2011 at 12:38 am
Just finished my sleeve, 10 long sessions but so worth it. I was really worried about keeping my arm out of the sun, which is almost impossible in Florida. I’m really thankful friend introduced me to Ink Armor tattoo cover sleeves. They offered me a quick and comfortable way to protect my sleeve in between sessions without having to hide out in the house!
5 Errol // Mar 7, 2011 at 5:43 am
I’m in the process of completing my full colour new school – full sleeve, and loving it!!
However, I can’t find “ink armour” anywhere in SA!!?? I’ve done a bit of research ‘n seems a gr8 product and a novel idea… But where do I find it!!?
Help… Anyone!!
Thx…
6 Woodworking // May 30, 2011 at 5:43 pm
If it is not a secret, could you tell us how much did you pay for getting your tattoos inked?
BTW, you have amazing site here. I am glad I ran into it! Keep up with a good work!
7 Carol // Sep 18, 2011 at 10:40 pm
I just got a sleeve (only.the lining) and don’t really like how it looks. Is it easier to cover it up with something else since it doesn’t have colors yet? Please help! I’m afraid of having to cover my arm with long sleeve shirts for the rest off my life since I’m on my twenties.
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