Definition

What is color packing?

Color packing is the technique of saturating the skin with colour so that the fill looks solid and vibrant, without patchy spots. It's a hallmark of traditional American, neo-traditional and watercolour-style tattoos.

Good color packing takes time and may require touch-ups during healing. The result is a bold, saturated surface that reads clearly from a distance.

Examples

  • The solid red of a traditional rose petal
  • Saturated green leaves on a neo-traditional sleeve
  • Opaque watercolour washes on illustrative work