Tattoo ink/colour brightness

[Davethecat2000]

A quick question for tattoo experts, and prompted by the somewhat cringey thread running currently.

I have a fresh tattoo done in May with nice bright colours/crisp lines etc. I also have a butterfly in the same style, by the same artist that is 6 years old. It looks smudgy in comparison. I am going to get her to touch it up for me, but is my lovely new colourful tatt destined to lose its colour over time too?

I alwsys use sunblock now, but have the inks improved over the years does anyone know?

Where is the new tattoo? That will affect how well the colours last and the degree of blurring.

It's my inner forearm

OK. There will deffo be some degree of fading over time but not significant in 6 years, or there shouldn't be if it was done well.

The tattooist's use of colour and contrast will also affect your tattoo's longevity. Pastel tattoos with a lot of soft blends don't tend to fare so well over time.

I have lots of tattoos. Those in areas that don't get a lot of sun have held up much better. I have a big Japanese style bird on my thigh that looks as crisp and bright now as it did 15 years ago when it was done, but two goldfinches and apple blossom on my shoulder that I covered with something else recently. It was a truly beautiful tattoo when it was done - colour realism style, like a photo on skin - but faded quite a lot after only five years or so.

Thanks @HarlanPepper

I think the butterfly has possibly not fared as well because I haven't always been terribly good at slopping on the sunblock! I will make more of an effort now though.

I just wondered if perhaps over time the inks tattooists use improve in quality/longevity.

Here is the butterfly in contrast to the newer tattoos

I see what you mean - it's a lovely tattoo but the linework has got a bit blurry. She should be able to freshen it up for you though. I like her style - that's a very pretty new peony too!

Thank you!

It is pretty.. there is a larger one further up too. Love her style.

So nice! I really like the colours too. You can see how her style has developed over the time since you had the butterfly done.

@HarlanPepper thanks.. yes her colours are lovely!

You are right re seeing her progression over the years. I'm definitely going to get her to re-do the butterfly.

My tattoos are all heavily coloured. I find a good dose of moisturiser helps keep the fresh…almost like the dead skin on top makes them look faded.