Tattoo Glossary — P
Packing
The process of building dense, saturated ink coverage in a solid fill area. Packing requires multiple passes and consistent technique to achieve even colour density.
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.
Blackout
A tattooing technique that covers large areas of skin in solid black ink, sometimes covering the entire arm, leg, or torso. Used as a dramatic cover-up or aesthetic choice.
Shading
The technique of creating tonal gradations in a tattoo — from dark to light — using diluted ink, dot spacing, or hatching techniques.