Tattoo Glossary — O
Opacity
The degree to which tattoo ink covers the skin. Fully opaque ink shows the colour completely; diluted ink creates translucent washes used in watercolour and grey shading.
See also
Saturation
The density and vibrancy of ink in a tattooed area. Fully saturated areas are rich and opaque; under-saturated areas appear thin or patchy.
Wash
A diluted ink application technique creating soft, translucent tonal areas — like a watercolour wash. Used in black and grey shading and watercolour style tattoos.
Shading
The technique of creating tonal gradations in a tattoo — from dark to light — using diluted ink, dot spacing, or hatching techniques.