Full forearm tattoo (wrap-around)
A wrap-around forearm tattoo covers the whole forearm, usually one large or several medium designs. See forearm tattoos from our studio and find out how much time and preparation they take.
Tattoos from our studio
How painful is a full forearm tattoo?
Pain varies by area – see the pages for the inner and outer forearm.
How long does a full forearm tattoo take?
A wrap-around forearm tattoo takes at least 12 hours. It usually consists of several medium designs or one large one.
How does a full forearm tattoo heal?
A healed forearm piece looks good and stays sharp for life. Just choose high-contrast designs and use sunscreen in summer.
In what position is it tattooed?
Lying down or sitting.
How to prepare for a full forearm tattoo?
All clothing and underwear near the tattoo area must be dark or black. Take off your watch, rings and bracelets.
The whole forearm or just part of it?
The whole forearm all the way around is tattooed as one large design or several medium ones linked by a background – plan for at least 12 hours of tattooing. If you want to start smaller, choose the outer forearm, which hurts least, or the inner forearm, popular for lettering. A wrap-around forearm piece can later be connected to a half sleeve and grow into a full sleeve.
Which style to choose for the forearm?
The forearm is very visible and high-contrast work holds best on it – black & grey, realism, ornaments, geometry and Polynesian or Maori patterns. Very fine lines heal only averagely on the outer forearm, so it's better to give them a bit more space and weight.
Men's and women's forearm tattoos
Men more often choose compositions around the whole forearm – animals, skulls, Viking motifs and ornaments. Women more often go for a single design on the inner or outer side – flowers, mandalas, lettering or fine-line drawings.
