Thoughts and tips about tattooing on leather

[plaxed]

Lately been so fascinated with the idea of tattooing designs directly onto leather. A buddy of mine gave me an old practice skin kit, but I really dont know how those techniques would transfer to real hides.
The thought of using tattoo ink and needles instead of the usual stamping or pyrography feels like it could open up some unique textures and visuals, especially for more artistic projects. I've got a couple of scrap pieces of veg tan lying around that I don't mind experimenting on, but before I dive in, I figured I'd ask if anyone here has tried it.

Do the needle punctures damage the surface? I'm curious if this method is practical for finished pieces or just better as a fun experiment.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Lately been so fascinated with the idea of tattooing designs directly onto leather. A buddy of mine gave me an old practice skin kit, but I really dont know how those techniques would transfer to real hides.
The thought of using tattoo ink and needles instead of the usual stamping or pyrography feels like it could open up some unique textures and visuals, especially for more artistic projects. I've got a couple of scrap pieces of veg tan lying around that I don't mind experimenting on, but before I dive in, I figured I'd ask if anyone here has tried it.

Do the needle punctures damage the surface? I'm curious if this method is practical for finished pieces or just better as a fun experiment.

You may find that it's not a viable technique. Consider that tattooing has been around for several thousand years (Ötzi the iceman had tattoos) , YET it isn't done to leather. I think you will find that tattooing depends on living tissue to close up around the injected ink and then to heal to complete and seal the process. I think you may find that the holes made by the tattoo needle will not close, and the ink may seep out of the image over time. ON the other hand, if the ink dries within the leather it might work. You'll have to experiment. Perhaps you will discover a new technique!

LD

 

[Kasios_Music]

Honestly, grab your scrap veg tan and experiment. It won't ruin anything and you'll see right away how it behaves. Just don't waste good hides on it until you know what you're getting. Might be better for wall art than wallets.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Honestly, grab your scrap veg tan and experiment. It won't ruin anything and you'll see right away how it behaves. Just don't waste good hides on it until you know what you're getting. Might be better for wall art than wallets.

Might be very cool as wall art

LD