Can a Tartan be Tattooed Well?

**Riverkilt** · 16th August 06, 08:54 PM

Well, it started with the idea that I could get a bagpiper tattooed on the inside of my right thigh, just above my knee. Then if someone asked me where my bagpipes were I could truthfully say, "Under my kilt" and show them without being arrested.

Now, I'm intrigued by the idea of tattooed tartan "hose."

Back in massage school the example they give of the effectiveness of massage is to tattoo two rabbits on their thighs. Leave one rabbit alone and regularly massage the other. The massaged rabbit's tattoo fades.

So, maybe the secret of a tattoo with tartan work on it is to place it somewhere that doesn't get a lot of muscle action.

Ron

**Tattoo Bradley** · 16th August 06, 09:29 PM

I definately want to get a bagpiper tattooed on me. That's a definate. As far as the tartan of his kilt, it would be more suggestive than line for line. I also want it portrait style in black and grey...

**Hamish** · 17th August 06, 06:07 AM

Ron,

I know nothing about tattoos - the very thought of having one done makes me go weak at the knees!! However, I did know a chap who had a spectacular one done - it was amazing, although I cannot now remember how fine the detail was ...... this was back in the 60s (19 not 18!!).

As you know, I was at that time a member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society's demonstration team in London (pic in my album). For performances, the male members of the team had to wear dark coloured speedo-type briefs. One evening in a dressing room where we were changing after a show, I saw one of our team in what I took, across the room, to be tartan briefs. But no! It transpired that he had a full pair of tartan briefs TATTOOED on his body; he was entirely covered!! Yes, entirely!!!! As I say, I cannot now remember whether it was an authentic tartan or a design representing one, but it was VERY effective. He claimed that he could be naked on a beach and no-one would realise ....... but I am not going down that route!!

So, yes, I am sure it can be done.

**Retro Red** · 17th August 06, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by Hamish

It transpired that he had a full pair of tartan briefs TATTOOED on his body; he was entirely covered!! Yes, entirely!!!! He claimed that he could be naked on a beach and no-one would realise ........

If one did that as a kilt instead of briefs, there's be no need for "the Question!"

.

**Moose McLennan** · 17th August 06, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Well, it started with the idea that I could get a bagpiper tattooed on the inside of my right thigh, just above my knee. Then if someone asked me where my bagpipes were I could truthfully say, "Under my kilt" and show them without being arrested.

Now, I'm intrigued by the idea of tattooed tartan "hose."

Back in massage school the example they give of the effectiveness of massage is to tattoo two rabbits on their thighs. Leave one rabbit alone and regularly massage the other. The massaged rabbit's tattoo fades.

So, maybe the secret of a tattoo with tartan work on it is to place it somewhere that doesn't get a lot of muscle action.

Ron

'Massaging the tattooed rabbit' sounds like a euphemism of disreputable provenance... :confused: .

I can't match Ham's spectacular story, but I believe certain Army ranks were not allowed to wear the Sgian Dubh. They got round this by having a Sgian Dubh tattooed on.

M.

**Kilted Taper** · 17th August 06, 06:33 AM

That's interesting that others have been told it couldn't be done, where as I've seen tartan tats before, and have inquired about getting the Welsh dragon with the Edwards of Wales tartan as the fill and all have said no problem. I've only spoken to two artists, but 100% approval tells me something. It would have to be a tad large, but could be done. Here is one done by the guy that did my sgian dubh on my calf.

**Monkey@Arms** · 17th August 06, 09:51 AM

That's a sharp looking tattoo. The problem, as I understand it, is that the fine lines tend to spread over time, thus all the diagonal lines in that pic run the risk of smudging together. Its up to the individual as to how much that would bother them. (Exposure to sun accelerates this process, which is why I am religious about putting sun block on my tat when wearing shorts or kilt.)

Best regards,

Jake

**Colin** · 17th August 06, 09:55 AM

I had thought of having some tartan done too Ron, but I undertood from talking to a few artists, that it could be done, but would not look good for too long. I know I have some fine lettering on one tattoo that is now 10 years old, and it is not nearly as defined as it was. I think Monkey@Arms has a point, and I would worry that the fine lines of the tartan would just turn into a blob of colour within a couple of years.

**Kilted Taper** · 17th August 06, 10:08 AM

How about doing it withought the lines? Just doing the colors?

**bikercelt1** · 17th August 06, 02:28 PM

I wondered about this myself and asked a couple of tattoo artists that work at our shop for special events. I was wondering if anyone ever saw a fly plaid tattooed over someones shoulder. One artist thought it might be possible to tattoo tartan but only if he outlined each and every color "line" to minimise the blending of colors in the stripes. When I began to think about how much outlining that would entail and then add in the color control and "fading" in order to make the tattoo "fabric" appear three dimensional... it would be a pretty daunting undertaking.

Jamie