Large Tattoos Done in Layers: Sleeves, Back Pieces & Big Cover-Ups

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 works1 — Free consultationWe 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 & depositChris books by the day, not by the hour. Large projects are planned in half days and full days.Minimum (30 min): $100Small tattoo (1 hr): $200Quarter day (2 hr): $500Half day (4 hr): $900Three-quarter day (6 hr): $1,250Full day (8 hr): $1,600Large 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 foundationWe 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 1The tattoo may not look like the final photo yet. That’s normal on sleeves and other large work.5 — Healing timeWe 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: detailOn 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.