A watercolor tattoo is one of the most beautiful ones you will ever get. Don't you agree? Made by carefully blending different shades of colors, it becomes a true classic right now. A watercolor tattooing style has always been popular in the art, so there's nothing strange for it to be popular in a tattoo industry. Looking truly different from all the tattoo techniques we are all used to, it captures the attention of everyone who will see it. Any body part you want to perfect with such a masterpiece will look gorgeous. Good care during the healing process and your watercolor tattoo will look bomb. Are you curious about the tattoo ideas we have for you? Then check out our top watercolor tattoo designs for any body part.

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What Are Watercolor Tattoos?

For a watercolor tattoo, you may expect your tattoo artist to use similar tools they use for other tattoo types, such as standard colorful as well as black and gray tats. Yet, the coloring and shading techniques are quite different. The colors used for a regular tattoo are even and plain. They are applied to the body so that they create a solid image that usually has defined borders and outlines.

When it is a watercolor tat, the colors are blended with a more gradual transition, which makes it look like it is an actual watercolor painting. It does not feature any harsh lines so you cannot see any borders. In the modern tattoo space, tattooists incorporate both regular and watercolor techniques to deliver the most unique and unusual inked images to their clients.

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How Is A Watercolor Tattoo Done?

The watercolor tattoo technique got its name for good reason. The final result you get with it looks like the image was applied with watercolors. To achieve such an effect, your tattooer should specialize in this method of tattooing.

As a rule of thumb, you do not use dark colors and noticeable borders. The tattooist applies the ink so that the color builds up. To achieve the desired effect, they add water to the ink, which makes it look lighter and more transparent. They should work pretty fast to apply the ink with minimal pressure.

However, it is still very much permanent, which means that the artist will not be able to alter the image as soon as it is applied. That is why they should plan beforehand how they are going to create all the transitions, splashes and fading. So, make sure to do some research before booking a tattoo appointment.

Does A Watercolor Tattoo Age Well?

There is a common belief that a watercolor tattoo does not age well. But it is nothing more than a myth. In fact, no matter the technique used to create a tattoo, it can age well or poorly. This depends on various factors. One of the most contributing ones is human physiology. The thing is our cells, namely macrophages, treat the ink as a foreign object, thus trying to get rid of it. So, regardless of the ink used, you can get a faded or blurry tattoo with time.

So that it will not happen, you need to follow the aftercare recommendations your tattoo artist gives you. This usually includes moisturizing your skin, keeping it protected from the sun and avoiding picking at and rubbing the image, especially before it heals completely.

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How To Delay Watercolor Tattoo Fading

If you want to make the most out of your tattoo, you should follow certain rules. This is especially true for watercolor tattoos, as they are very delicate and light. For this reason, take care to do the following:

  • Find a tattoo artist who knows what they are doing.

Watercolor tattoos require specific skills to create the desired image. That is why it is important to find an experienced tattoo artist specializing in this exact tattoo technique. This is not what you should skimp on. Choosing a tattooist who lacks practice in watercolor tattooing may end up in a faded or even distorted image, which is hardly what you want.

  • Protect your tattoo from UV rays.

Regardless of the kind of your tattoo, you should never expose it to sunlight. If you fail to follow this rule, it may result in a faded image, be it a black and gray, a colorful or a watercolor tattoo. To prevent that from happening, avoid being in the sun as much as possible. In case you cannot keep away from the sun, apply a generous amount of sunscreen that has SPF over 30 and contains zinc oxide.

  • Do not rub your tattoo.

Rubbing is one of the most common causes of tattoo fading. Some body areas are more likely to get touched by your clothes or shoes, such as the top of the feet or the bottoms. That is why they are not the best places for a watercolor tat. Consider the parts that are not affected by rubbing.

  • Keep your tattoo moisturized.

If your skin in the tattoo area gets dry, wrinkled or sagged, the image is going to lose its initial appearance. As a preventive measure, you need to apply a moisturizing lotion to the tattooed area. It is recommended to choose products that do not contain fragrance and can be used on sensitive skin.

Do Watercolor Tattoos Work On Darker Skin?

How Long Do Watercolor Tattoos Last?

Watercolor Tattoo On The Arm

Watercolor Arm Tattoo with Galaxy Colors
Galaxy Watercolor Tattoo with Lettering
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Watercolor Tattoo Design with a Cat
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Watercolor Tattoo with Bear
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Geometric Watercolor Tattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Watercolor Tattoo Design On The Arm #moon #cherryflowers
Credit photo: Instagram.com/aeri_tattoo
Watercolor Arm Tattoo Idea #watercolorlandscape
Credit photo: Instagram.com/lukovnikovtattoo
Galaxy Watercolor Tattoo Design With Deer #deer #galaxy #geometric
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler

Haven't you noticed how popular it is to place a watercolor tattoo on the arm? Of course, you did and we believe there's nothing strange about this trend. It is a visible part of our body not only for other people but also for us, and it will always be in our sight. A great place for those who always want to admire the beauty of their permanent body painting.

Beautiful Watercolor Tattoo With Dragon #dragontattoo #armtattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/debrartist
Watercolor Tattoo Design For Arm #armtattoo #brighttattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/yelizozcan_tattooer
Watercolor Tattoo With Geometric Elements #geometrictattoo #triangletattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/yelizozcan_tattooer

A watercolor technique looks so good on the thin skin of our arm that the tenderness of your design will be shown even more. Different sizes, colors and design ideas are here for you to choose from. Whether you are a fan of a big or tiny tattoo design with pastel or bright colors, this tattoo placement will be perfect. Flowers, in our opinion, are perfect for an arm tattoo. They look wonderful with other details and will show the world how special you are. Do you want something different? Then consider getting a geometric tattoo with an animal that will look magnifying on your arm.

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Beautiful Watercolor Tattoo Designs For A Back

Back Watercolor Tattoo Idea
Shoulder Back Watercolor Tattoo Design
Credit photo: Instagram.com/lcjuniortattoo
Mermaid Watercolor Tattoo Design #mermaid #galaxy
Credit photo: Instagram.com/aeri_tattoo
Koi Fish Watercolor Tattoo #koifish #koifishtattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Yin Yang Tattoo Design #yinyangtattoo #fish
Credit photo: Instagram.com/lcjuniortattoo

A watercolor style is perfect for any part of our body, don't you think? It looks perfect anywhere and will bring out tenderness, magnificence and beauty of you. If you don't want it to be visible much, we have a great idea. Think of getting your watercolor tattoo on your back. A perfect place for those who don't want to show the presence of a tattoo on their body.

 
Galaxy Watercolor Tattoo For Back #booktattoo #galaxytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/debrartist
Soft Pink Watercolor Tattoo Design With Deer #deertattoo #pinktattoo #cherryblossomtattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Back Watercolor Tattoo With Flowers #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler

The best thing about such an option is its size. It can be as big or tiny as you want, so the picture will be shown precisely. On your shoulder blade or at the back of your neck - these ideas will look perfect. A beautiful mermaid in a constellation done in blue shades, a cute tender girl with perfectly blended colors or two fish swimming around. All these tattoos will symbolize your beauty and differ from any other tattoo you have ever seen.

Leg Watercolor Tattoo Designs

Watercolor Turtle Tattoo
Watercolor Tattoo Idea For Leg #flowertattoo #roses
Credit photo: Instagram.com/hktattoo_mini
Watercolor Flower Tattoo Design #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Watercolor Tattoo Design With Fox #foxtattoo #galaxy #geometric
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler

Body art has become such a great thing nowadays that more and more options for its placement come along. What do you think of getting a watercolor tattoo on your leg? A thigh or an ankle will look so beautiful decorated with a gorgeously done painting.

Watercolor Koi Fish Tattoo Design #koifishtattoo #fishtattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/pablo_ortiz_tattoo
Magic Galaxy Tattoo For Leg #galaxytattoo #spacetattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/yelizozcan_tattooer
Butterfly Tattoo Idea For Leg #triangletattoo #butterflytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler

What can be more stylish than a watercolor tattoo? Flowers or geometric pictures with animals can be chosen, anything your heart desires, as in watercolor anything you think of will look perfect.

Side Watercolor Tattoos

Dream Catcher Tattoo Design #dreamcatchertattoo #dreamcatcher
Credit photo: Instagram.com/tattooist_banul
Flower Tattoo Design On The Side #flowertattoo #roses
Credit photo: Instagram.com/tattooist_banul
Bright Watercolor Tattoo With Chameleon #chameleon
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Cute Side Watercolor Tattoo Idea With Flowers #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Galaxy Jellyfish Tattoo Idea #jellyfishtattoo #sidetattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/julesboho.tattoo
Galaxy Watercolor Tattoo With Elephant #elephanttattoo #galaxytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/julesboho.tattoo

A watercolor tattoo on the side of your body is an absolutely great idea for those who want a tattoo that is not visible for everybody. It looks absolutely stunning and delicate and it will bring out how tender and beautiful you are. Small or big, this colorful watercolor design is incredible. More and more people choose the side of their body for a tattoo placement and we understand why. Thin lines and blurred colors look perfect on bare skin. Bright or pastel colors can be chosen, so it's up to you. Flowers, colorful animals that you associate with yourself or a dream-catcher that will be a charm for the rest of your life.

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Watercolor Tattoo Designs On A Chest

Watercolor Tattoo Idea For Chest #tattoochest #elephant
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Beautiful Watercolor Tattoo Design With Flowers #flowertattoo #roses
Credit photo: Instagram.com/tattooist_banul
Watercolor Tattoo Idea For Chest #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler  
Triangle Galaxy Tattoo Design #triangletattoo #galaxytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Watercolor Lotus Flower Tattoo Idea #lotustattoo #lotusflowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Lavender Watercolor Tattoo Design For Chest #lavendertattoo #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/soltattoo

A chest watercolor tattoo is for those who are not afraid to experiment and are ready to accentuate the beauty of their bodies! Such a placement of a tattoo will only bring out how gorgeous-looking you are. What can you choose? A geometric tattoo with an interesting filling, this elephant tattoo is a great example of creativity you can show through the tattoo art, flowers in the middle of your chest or at the side to define it. Sexy, creative and different at the same time, it is for those girls who are confident. If you are worried about how painful it can be, believe us, a beautiful result will make it up for the pain on a thin skin.

Hided Watercolor Tattoo Ideas

Small Moon Tattoo #moontattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/firstjing
Small Flower Tattoo Idea On Ear #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/hktattoo_mini
Beautiful Flower Tattoo Idea #flowertatoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/hktattoo_mini
Small Ankle Tattoo Idea #wavetattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/daldam__
Small Flower Tattoo #flowertattoo #flower
Credit photo: Instagram.com/firstjing
Small Elephant Tattoo Idea #elephanttattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/daldam__

Do you prefer color tattoos but don't want to risk having a big one for now? Great, then these tiny options are for you. Super tender and delicate, they will be perfect to show through dreaminess and beauty. Little accurate flowers with small details can be slightly visible but really attractive at the same time. A great choice that will show how special you are. Bright or pastel colors to fill in the watercolor are up to you.

Watercolor Tattoo On A Belly

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Design #cherryblossomtattoo #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Delicate Flower Tattoo Design On Belly #flowertattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/koray_karagozler
Belly Tattoo Design With Dove #dove #bellytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/simona.blanar  
Rose And Butterfly Tattoo Idea #rosetattoo #butteflytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/versusink
Watercolor Belly Tattoo With Fish Scales #bellytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/tattooist_banul
Cherry Blossom Tattoo Idea #cherryblossom #cherryblossomtattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/gullsahkaraca

Another option for confident ladies out here. Are you satisfied with your body and would like to decorate it with a gorgeous-looking picture? Then look at these suggestions. Placed on the belly, they will help you define your beautiful body even more, making you look even sexier. Many options are available that will look perfect with great aftercare. Flowers or birds done in different colors are among our top ideas.

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Tiny Watercolor Tattoo Ideas

 
Tiny Watercolor Tattoo Ideas #tinytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/tattooist_banul
Small Watercolor Tattoo For Wrist #wristtattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/tattooist_banul
Foot Tattoo Design With Flower #flowertattoo #tinytattoo
Credit photo: Instagram.com/tattooist_banul

FAQ: Watercolor Tattoos

What is watercolor tattooing?

Watercolor tattooing is a technique used to apply the ink in a gradual and subtle way. The image turns out faded out yet vivid and bright. The style is inspired by watercolor painting, hence the name.

Do watercolor tattoos fade faster?

If your watercolor tattoo does not have a black foundation, then it indeed may fade much faster than a regular tattoo. As the colors you use for it are translucent and the image is applied with the help of a shading technique, the result may not last long. So, you need to take care of it properly.

Do watercolor tattoos hurt more?

To create a watercolor tattoo, the tattoo artist uses a smaller amount of ink compared to an equal size regular tat. As a result, they will puncture your skin less often and thus, it will not hurt as much as you would expect.

As you can see, watercolor tattoo are really good choice for those who wants to show their personality. Huge variety of designs and colors that you can combine in any ways will help you to find your own style.

REFERENCES:
  • Watercolor tattoos are a trendy style of tattoo, making for vibrant body art. Source

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