Sleeves and back pieces in Bali

A sleeve, a back piece or a large chest or leg piece takes more planning than a single tattoo. You need one design for the whole area, enough time in the chair, and time to heal between sessions. Here is what to expect.

One design for the whole piece

Before the first session, your artist plans the full design, or at least its layout, so every session adds to the same piece. If you want to finish it over several trips, tell us at the start. Your artist can plan the order so each stage looks complete when you fly home.

How many sessions it takes

It depends on the size, the style and the amount of detail. A full sleeve or back piece is rarely finished in one day. Your artist will estimate the number of sessions and the price before you book, and the price is agreed before work starts. See tattoo prices for how we price.

Full-day sessions and deposits

Large pieces are usually booked as full-day sessions. A 30% deposit holds each booking, and full-day sessions may need 30% per day. You can move an appointment once with at least 72 hours notice. The details are in our booking and deposit policy.

Healing between sessions

Each part needs to heal before the next part is tattooed next to it, and your artist will tell you how long to wait. If you want two sessions in one trip, book the first one early in your stay. While a tattoo heals, keep it out of the sea, the pool and the sun, so plan beach days around it. Our guide to tattoo aftercare in Bali explains how.

Coming back on a later trip

Message us before you book your flights so your artist can keep days free for you. Book with the same artist so the style stays the same, and send photos of the healed work so they can plan the next session.

Styles that suit large pieces

Most of our sleeves and back pieces are realism, black and grey, Japanese, ornamental or floral. Each style page shows the artists who do that work.