White on Black Tattoos: How They Work and How They Last
White on black tattoos: white ink over a blacked-out area. How the style works, whether white ink lasts over black, and what to ask first.
What is a white on black tattoo?
As the title suggests today we will be looking at a style of tattooing not commonly discussed. Actually it’s commonly unrecognized largely due to its relative obscurity. It hasn’t been around very long. Not as long as say, the cover up tattoo. Cover ups have been around about as long as tattoos themselves . Obviously the level of sophistication in today’s modern coverups trumps what may have been done in the past. But over all I would say that tattooing in general is reaching new levels of sophistication exponentially year over year.
White line work symbolic characters over a blacked out sleeve by in house tattoo artist @joel_josselyn
How it’s done: blackout first
In order to accomplish this style of tattooing the area first needs to be ‘blacked out’. Regardless of whether there are existing tattoos or not , we need to get in there and black out the canvas first.
Beautiful example by Barcelona tattoo artist @willianspindola
Do white on black tattoos last?
A common concern with this style of tattooing is whether white on black tattoos last. The tattoo pigment, regardless of color, is injected just below the melanin of your skin. So, in essence, once the tattoo is fully healed it is very much like looking through tinted glass. Your natural skin tone is one factor that will dictate how white your tattoo remains. How you care for your tattoo is another.
Here in South Florida it is wise to protect your ink with sunblock when exposed to direct sunlight for any extended period. The more sun your skin gets, the more you’ll notice the white naturally turning a sort of yellow like color.
So to answer the question, yes, white on black tattoos will last. The answer is also, no.
How white your tattoo remains will be partially up to you and how well you protect your tattoos.
White on Black Star Spangled Banner tattoo by California tattoo artist @troy_harper_artistry
Is it right for you?
In summary I’ll say that with proper execution ‘White on black tattoos’ can look pretty spectacular. Not only am I a fan but it is something that I am considering for myself in the near future. Although traditional tattoos will always be my first love, I have to admit that the graphic and heavy nature of white on black is something I find appealing. I may black out my left arm and then go in with some white ink traditional roses on top! As a Florida resident I’ll have to be more mindful of after, and long term, care though which makes me slightly hesitant. lol
Thinking about a blackout or cover-up? Request a consult.