Black and grey realism Roman armor full sleeve and chest piece tattoo by Paul Michael Andras

Full Sleeve & Large Scale Tattoos

Multi-session masterpieces built to last a lifetime

Black and grey realism archangel on horseback slaying dragon full back piece tattoo by Paul Michael Andras

Large Scale Tattoo Projects

Where Vision Meets Commitment

Large scale tattoos are the pinnacle of the tattoo art form. Full sleeves, back pieces, chest panels, and leg sleeves demand a level of planning, skill, and commitment that separates serious collectors from casual clients. These are multi-session projects that unfold over weeks or months, with each appointment building upon the last to create a cohesive, gallery-worthy piece.

Paul Michael Andras specializes in large scale black and grey realism, bringing museum-quality detail to pieces that span entire limbs and torsos. From ancient Roman armor sleeves to full back pieces depicting mythological scenes, every project begins with a thorough consultation to understand the vision, plan the composition, and map out a session schedule.

Black and grey realism Japanese samurai mask with cherry blossoms full back piece tattoo by Andras Tattoo

Types of Large Scale Work

From Full Sleeves to Complete Back Pieces

Full Sleeve Tattoos wrap the entire arm from shoulder to wrist, typically requiring 4-8 sessions. Half sleeves cover shoulder to elbow or elbow to wrist. Both allow for expansive compositions with incredible depth and flow.

Full Back Pieces are the most ambitious canvas in tattooing. Covering the entire back, these multi-session projects can take 6-12 sessions and result in breathtaking, wall-worthy artwork.

Chest Pieces and Body Panels connect multiple areas into cohesive body suits. These large format compositions flow across the chest, ribs, stomach, or connect sleeves into unified designs.

The Multi-Session Process

Consultation & Design

Every large project starts with an in-depth consultation. We discuss your vision, review reference material, plan placement, and map out the full composition before any ink hits skin.

Session Planning

Sessions are typically 5-8 hours each, spaced 4-6 weeks apart for proper healing. A full sleeve averages 4-8 sessions; a back piece may take 6-12 sessions to complete.

Building Layer by Layer

Large realism pieces are built in stages. Linework and structure come first, followed by shading, detail work, and final refinements. Each session adds depth and complexity.

Travel-Friendly Scheduling

Many clients travel from across the US and Europe for large projects. Sessions can be scheduled back-to-back over multiple days, or spaced across visits to Madrid or Miami.

Large Scale Work

Black and grey realism Roman statue portrait with classical architecture full sleeve tattoo by Andras Tattoo
Dark art gothic nun full leg sleeve tattoo with red accents by Paul Michael Andras
Black and grey realism dual woman portraits Makaveli chest piece tattoo by Andras Tattoo
Black and grey realism ornate cross with roses and snake chest piece by Paul Michael Andras
Black and grey realism Western cowboy full sleeve tattoo with train and bull skull by Andras Tattoo
Black and grey realism Roman SPQR armor chest plate tattoo with lion by Paul Michael Andras

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions does a full sleeve tattoo take?

A full sleeve typically requires 4 to 8 sessions depending on the complexity, detail level, and style. Black and grey realism sleeves generally take 5-7 sessions of 5-8 hours each, spaced 4-6 weeks apart for proper healing between sessions.

How much does a full sleeve tattoo cost?

Full sleeve tattoos are priced by session or day rate rather than by the piece. The total investment depends on the complexity of the design, number of sessions required, and the level of detail involved. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your project and receive an accurate estimate.

How long does a full back piece take to complete?

A full back piece is one of the most ambitious tattoo projects and typically requires 6 to 12 sessions over the course of several months to over a year. Each session is usually a full day of work, with 4-6 weeks of healing between appointments.

Can I get a large scale tattoo done in one session?

Large scale work almost always requires multiple sessions. Attempting to rush a complex piece into a single sitting compromises both the quality of the work and your body's ability to heal properly. Multiple sessions allow for better detail, more consistent ink saturation, and a stronger final result.

Do I need to travel to Madrid or Miami for a large tattoo project?

Paul works between Face2Face Tattoo in Madrid and Miami Ink in Miami. Many clients travel specifically for large scale projects, scheduling multiple-day sessions during their visit. Contact us to coordinate scheduling at whichever location works best for you.

Explore More

The Process

Learn what to expect from consultation to finished tattoo.

Aftercare Guide

Essential care instructions for your new tattoo.

Full Portfolio

Browse 50+ examples of custom tattoo work.

Cover-Up Tattoos

Transform old tattoos into new masterpieces.

Ready for Your Large Scale Project?

Whether it's a full sleeve, back piece, or body panel, let's plan something extraordinary together.

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