Cover-ups
A new tattoo designed over an old one. Darker, larger and busier than what is underneath, planned from a photo, with laser lightening when it helps.
The style
Cover-ups follow their own rules
Ink does not erase ink; it layers. A cover-up works by putting darker tone where the old lines are and distracting the eye with a busier, larger design around them. That is why cover-ups are bigger than people expect and why florals, animals, smoke and dark backgrounds are the usual tools.
A faded or small old tattoo covers easily. A dark, dense one may need a few laser sessions first to lighten it, which widens what the new design can be and lets the artist use lighter tones. The consultation is where you find out which of the two you have and what it will take.
Work
Cover-ups from the shops
What to expect
Who to ask for cover-ups
Arty
Traditional · Neo traditional · Black and grey
Photo first, honest answer second
Send a clear photo of the old tattoo in daylight with the form. At the free consultation the artist tells you what can go over it as it is, what would open up with lightening, and what the realistic size will be. You hear the honest version before any deposit.
Arty and Skott take most of the cover-up and rework jobs here. Our partner Embellish PB does laser lightening and removal when a piece needs it first, and we coordinate the timing with them so the skin has fully healed before the new work starts.
At a glance
- Size
- Larger than the old piece
- Tone
- Darker, with busy detail
- Lightening
- Laser at Embellish PB when needed
- Sessions
- One to several
- Artists
- Arty, Skott
Questions people ask
Can you cover a black tribal piece?
Solid black is the hardest to cover. It usually needs laser lightening first, or a design that absorbs it as a shadow area. Bring the photo and you get a straight answer.
Can I keep it small?
Rarely. A cover-up the same size as the old tattoo almost always shows through. Expect the new piece to be noticeably larger.
Do cover-ups cost more?
They cost what a tattoo of the new size costs, with extra design time. Lightening sessions at Embellish PB are separate.
