Large Tattoos Done in Layers: Sleeves, Back Pieces & Big Cover-Ups
Tattoo Layering Process
This page is for larger projects — arm sleeves, leg sleeves, back pieces, and other large-scale work that needs more than one sitting.
What is tattoo layering?
Layering means we build a large tattoo over more than one session, with healing time in between. Your skin stays healthier, and the finished piece looks better for longer.
Small, simple tattoos usually don’t need this. Layering is how we handle big, dense, multi-session projects.
How it works
1 — Free consultation
We talk through your idea, size, placement, and how many sessions a sleeve or large piece will take. Cover-ups on large areas are welcome too.
2 — Plan & deposit
Chris books by the day, not by the hour. Large projects are planned in half days and full days.
- Minimum (30 min): $100
- Small tattoo (1 hr): $200
- Quarter day (2 hr): $500
- Half day (4 hr): $900
- Three-quarter day (6 hr): $1,250
- Full day (8 hr): $1,600
Pay in 4 with Afterpay: a $900 half day is 4 payments of $225. A $1,250 three-quarter day is 4 payments of $312.50, and a $1,600 full day is 4 payments of $400. Interest-free, approval required.
Large layered multi-session projects still start with a free consult; there is no separate Layering appointment type.
A deposit holds your design time and first session — 25% for smaller and half-day work, 50% for full days. Consults are free.
3 — Session 1: the foundation
We put on the stencil and build the base of the tattoo. If your skin needs a break, we stop for the day. Clean, healed skin for the next session beats forcing it.
4 — After session 1
The tattoo may not look like the final photo yet. That’s normal on sleeves and other large work.
5 — Healing time
We wait so your skin can recover — often about a month or two. We don’t start the next layer on skin that isn’t ready.
6 — Session 2 and beyond: detail
On healed skin we add the next layer: more color, texture, depth, or outlines — whatever your piece needs.
Ready to start?
Book a free consult and we’ll map the smartest plan for your sleeve or large-scale tattoo.