Cover Up Tattoos: 5 Tips to Know Before You Get Started

Most people have that one tattoo that they got when they were 17 or 18 that just doesn’t sit right. Even after your mom asked you a few times if you were sure, you proceeded onward. Around 10 or so years, if it even takes that long, you begin thinking of ways to get rid of it. The next step is normally research into how to cover that regrettable mistake you made at one point in time. Since cover-ups vary so much they are very different from just getting a tattoo on empty skin and nearly impossible to give any sort of price or estimate before a design is decided upon. Since cover-ups vary so wildly here is a good guide to getting that cover-up you want.

1) Cover Up Tattoos May Require A Laser Session

Depending on your previous tattoo and what you want as your future tattoo, you might be advised by your future artist to consider getting a session of laser removal. Many older tattoos whether you like them or not are technically done well. The darker the tattoo the more likely you will be pointed in that direction. Some shops like ours have a referral program with a local tattoo removal business, oftentimes even one session of laser removal will lighten up the tattoo that we can cover it after. 

2) The Bigger the Cover Up Tattoo, the Better

Most often coverup tattoos ideas are designed to be an illusion. Many tattoo artists recommend the coverup being 2 to 3 times the size of the original tattoo to give them ample space to create something new that is completely original to you! The bigger the new tattoo and the more space that you give the artist the better the end result! If the original tattoo is very large there can still be options including reworking the older tattoo! 

3) Consider Using Color for Your Cover Up

Many people when considering getting a coverup think of only black and grey tattoo colors however it is common to get a coverup tattoo in color. At times it can be better to include bright colors and many different colors to create depth. Generally more experienced artists are able to give you more options so be diligent in your cover up artist research!

4) Have a Few Different Cover Up Tattoo Ideas

When considering a coverup it is important to find a few different ideas that you like. Busier designs can often be good for cover-ups because they add to the illusion and keep your eyes moving. Oftentimes people come in and they either want a design that isn’t possible with the existing line work or they don’t have any idea of what they want to cover it with. It is best to come into a cover-up tattoo with a few examples of what you like because chances are the artist will be able to come up with a similar design that works for both parties. The artists aren’t mind readers and it is even harder to cover a cover-up if later down the road you don’t like the new design. 

5) Let the Cover Up Tattoo Artist Guide You:

The most important part of the cover-up process is to make sure that you find a reputable tattoo artist that you trust to take advice from. Not every tattoo is the same and neither is every cover-up. If they like one design idea over another, it is best to follow their advice. They know what the tattoo will transform into, what the tattoo will most likely look like healed, and be able to give you something you love! Make sure you do some diligent research when looking for potential ideas and have a few in mind. Most tattooers require creative freedom to be able to cover your previous design so give them direction and be open!