A full arm blackout usually takes 3, sometimes 4 half-day sessions, with time to heal between each one.
I can do a blackout in full days, and sometimes I do. But I generally recommend half days. Packing a whole arm solid black is hard on the skin, and shorter sessions give a more even black and an easier heal.
What changes the number
Mostly your skin. Some skin takes black easily, some is harder to tattoo and needs more work to get it solid and even. I can't tell which one you've got until I see it, so you get your estimate at the consultation. If your skin needs more work, it can take an extra session.
Old tattoos on the arm don't slow it down. I work at the same speed over a fresh arm or a tattooed one.
Size matters too. A forearm on its own is usually one half day.
More finished pieces with their real session counts are on my work page.
How much does a blackout sleeve cost?
The number of sessions your arm needs, at my session rate. I send my rates to everyone who enquires before we talk, so there are no surprises. A deposit holds your dates and comes off your last session.
Healing between sessions
Each session has to heal before the next one, so they're never back to back. Expect a lot of swelling for the first few days and about two weeks to heal. Take at least four days off work after each session. My full routine, with videos of my own healing, is in the aftercare guide.
Not sure about full black?
There are other options. White ink can go over healed black, and detail can be left as bare skin inside the black. I go through it all at the consultation. More in what is a blackout tattoo.
Next step
Send me your idea and a photo of your arm through the enquiry form, and we'll book a consultation. More on how I work on the blackout tattoo page.
Common questions
How long does a blackout sleeve take?
A full arm blackout usually takes 3, sometimes 4 half-day sessions, with time to heal between each one.
Can you do a blackout sleeve in full days?
Yes, sometimes I do full days. I generally recommend half days, because packing a whole arm solid black is hard on the skin and shorter sessions heal better.
How much does a blackout sleeve cost?
It depends on how many sessions your arm needs. I send my session rates to everyone who enquires, and you get a session estimate at the consultation.
Does an old tattoo make a blackout take longer?
No. I work at the same speed over a fresh arm or a tattooed one. What makes the biggest difference is your skin, some skin is harder to tattoo than others.
How long does a blackout tattoo take to heal?
About two weeks, then the skin stays a bit fragile for a couple more. Take at least four days off work after each session.