Tattoos are such a widespread phenomenon that sometimes you almost feel weird not having one. You might even give into pressure and get one, because it seems like everyone around you has at least one. If, however, you feel like tattoos are not for you, don’t get one. Trust us! They are forever, so it is a big decision. If you have firmly decided on a tattoo, though, you have come to the right place. Today we are going to pay special attention to a recent trend, which turns your body into a real canvas – the watercolor tattoo.
What is a watercolor tattoo?
Now, in order to explain what a watercolor tattoo is, we have to look at watercolor paintings first. The first thing you need to know is that this type of painting is very, very old. It dates all the way back to palaeolithic times. It has been used in European middle ages for manuscript illustration. But the actual watercolor paintings were born during the Renaissance. The paint is made of pigments, suspended in a water-based solution. This makes the colors very luminous and lush, because the pigments are laid out in their purest form. Therefore, watercolor tattoos are very vibrant and filled with color.

What are the most popular watercolor tattoos?
Since the colors are very vibrant, it is only natural that flowers are the most preferred watercolor tattoo. As the trend gains momentum however, people have come up with so many different and creative ideas. Naturally, all types of landscapes look gorgeous when done with watercolor, or acrylic paint, as it is also known. What’s more you can turn your body into a real canvas and have a full painting on it. We assure you it would look amazing. You can turn basically any type of tattoo motif into a colorful accessory with just a splash of a color.

Do watercolor tattoos fade faster and age badly?
The answer is “NO”. Many tattooists worry that because watercolor tattoos often lack black color that means they will fade away faster. Why is that, you might ask? Well, the black color used in tattoos is carbon based. Once injected into the skin, it doesn’t move. That is why many tattooists use it as a sort of a wall to keep the colors in. The main concern is that without these lines, the colors will spread over time. Furthermore, people believe that because the colors are lighter they will fade more easily with time. However, that is true for any other colored tattoo. The truth is, if your tattooist works with professional paint, it will last longer. If, however, he uses a cheaper one, you will probably need a touch-up sooner, rather than later. Many tattooists use a black “skeleton” for watercolor tattoos. Meaning they still use a bit of black under the colors, in order to keep them in.

To sum up, watercolor tattoos are truly breathtaking. So, if you want one, go and get it. Just make sure that your tattooist works with proper paint and knows the watercolor tattooing technique. Browse through his or her previous work to see that they are the right ones for what you want and go get tattooed. If you are worried that your watercolor tattoo might fade, I believe that any colored tattoo needs a touch-up and so will, probably the watercolor one, as well. That is why, you shouldn’t stop yourself from getting a watercolor tattoo.

Lovely heart tattoo

Gorgeous dreamcatcher back tattoo

Watercolor tattoo, inspired by Banksy’s “Girl with balloon” painting

A little inspirational reminder done in watercolor – Be brave

Stunning shoulder tattoo

A little something for the cat lovers

Geometrical meets watercolor – amazing result for a thigh tattoo

Galaxy watercolor tattoos are truly an art piece


Cancer and Leo constellations

Watercolor tattoo inspired by Alice in Wonderland



Another galaxy watercolor forearm tattoo




More gorgeous examples



Don’t worry, be happy – super positive idea for a tattoo

You really go to another dimension when you are reading a good book

If you love Harry Potter, these designs would be perfect for you


Couple’s matching watercolor tattoos

Made in Cuba – for the patriot inside

Captain America, Thor, Iron Man and Hulk would be so proud



His and hers matching tattoos



Something for those who are proud to be a Libra

Beautiful Tree of Life reiteration







Batman and The Joker – the never-ending rivalry

Peter Pan inspired thigh tattoo





Simple and minimalistic watercolor tattoo



Super creative idea for a simple, yet elegant shoulder tattoo






For the citizens of the world











Beautiful idea for flower tattoos

Another Marvel inspired tattoo

Small flower tattoos

A real life mermaid





Watercolor lion tattoo



Delicate female tattoos


Watercolor rose tattoo






Abstract and creative tattoo along the spine





Watercolor tree tattoo


Wherever the wind takes her




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