Tattoo cover-up - what to consider?

Regret your tattoo? Turn it into a new work of art!

Sometimes you do things you regret. Like choosing a tattoo that doesn't really suit you. Or a tattoo that is your style, but whose color has completely faded. Or an ex's name...

That's a shame, but not a disaster. This problem can be solved quite easily with a tattoo cover-up.

Laser treatment to remove your tattoo is, of course, also an option. Which should you choose? It's actually a very personal decision, but to make it a bit easier, we've listed the pros and cons of a tattoo cover-up versus laser removal below.

Pain

Getting a cover-up tattoo is more painful than a regular tattoo. A laser treatment, on the other hand, is more painful than a cover-up.

Color

The design of the tattoo cover-up must be much darker than the original tattoo. Do you like that? Think carefully about it.

Combination of laser and cover-up

In some cases, the old tattoo can first be treated with a laser so that the tattoo cover-up can be placed over it afterwards.

☀️ TIP: Protect your healed tattoo from fading with our Daily Tattoo Care.

Is a tattoo cover-up suitable for all types of tattoos?

The smaller a tattoo is, the easier it can be incorporated into a new design. However, thick, dark lines are much harder to cover than fine ones. Also, certain tattoo colors can only be covered with solid black areas. The cover-up tattoo must therefore be placed completely over the original tattoo so that no color shines through later.

In principle, a tattoo artist can, for example, cover a tribal with black areas and beautiful contours. To make a long story short: a tattoo cover-up looks best when the new design consists of many dark areas and patterns.

💡 Letters can be easily worked with rose petals or lotus flowers. Little to nothing of the original tattoo will be visible.

Will the old tattoo truly be invisible after a tattoo cover-up?

In principle, no. But whether a cover-up covers well doesn't just depend on the design. Something else plays a role: certain colors and contours react to sunlight, high blood pressure, and friction. This applies especially to designs with a lot of carbon black. On warm days, it can happen that the tattoo swells a bit. If you look very closely then, you might still be able to see the old lines and letters a little.

Which tattoo cover-ups are most commonly done?

Letters and numbers are very easy to change into a colorful design. Your ex's name can instantly become a beautiful flower.

If a design is too small, the cover-up will be made larger in the same theme. If a tattoo is no longer fashionable, more shading will be added to the tattoo cover-up, making it much more contemporary.

Black-out tattoos are black and cover entire body parts. With these tattoo cover-ups, you can make an entire sleeve disappear under black ink. For daredevils and persistent individuals: have extra carvings done to add more/new contrast to your tattoo. But be warned: this is not entirely pain-free…

Is the old tattoo in a spot where you want your new sleeve? There's a great solution for this too: old designs can often be perfectly merged with larger patterns. The old tattoo can remain in its original state or be adapted into a similar cover-up.

Are you no longer happy with your old tattoo?

No problem, your tattoo artist can help you!

If you're completely done with your old tattoo and have a stylish and feasible idea for a new one, first contact your artist. Or search social media for good cover-up professionals. Many good tattoo artists now know how to breathe new life into a tattoo. For a good artist, a cover-up is also a really fun job to do; they find it a challenge to improve an old design and ensure you leave the studio completely happy.

TIP: let the artist decide which cover-up is best. So, have confidence in them; they know what they're doing.

These motifs are often used as cover-ups

• Letters can be easily incorporated into rose petals or lotus blossoms
• Tribals often disappear under wings of birds of prey, shells, or other natural/animalistic forms
• Portraits often become clowns or Mexican skulls (Sugar Skull tattoo)
• Waves and clouds are often used to fill space and cover less attractive edges and lines
• Animal prints with dark fur are very suitable for covering tattoos with a lot of color
• Only special motifs are suitable for covering scars or damaged tattoos

Cover-ups for scars. Is that possible?

You can be left with a scar from an accident or surgery. Fortunately, there's a solution for this too: a cleverly placed tattoo cover-up can make your scar(s) disappear completely. However, scar tissue has no pigment, so no color can get under the tissue. A deep cut in the tattoo will therefore remain visible after the tattoo has healed. Always go to an experienced tattoo artist who has done many cover-ups and can handle a somewhat more difficult skin type.

💡 Scars and damaged tattoos can only be hidden with special prints that adapt to the shape and structure of the scar. You can't be too picky here. The prints are limited.

Dark and problematic moles cannot be tattooed at all. If you want a tattoo in a spot where there's a mole, have it treated by a dermatologist first.

TIP! Are you getting your tattoo covered soon? Then prepare for your tattoo's aftercare as well. That way, after getting your cover-up, you can immediately start cleaning and moisturizing your new tattoo.

Our tattoo aftercare cream and tattoo soap have been specifically designed to complement each other. By regularly cleaning and caring for your tattoo with TattooMed After Tattoo, you prevent as much scabbing and annoying itching as possible.

With After Tattoo in combination with the Cleansing Gel, you have everything you need for proper care of your fresh tattoo. That's why they're also included together with Daily Tattoo Care in a value bundle. View the bundles here

📅 This blog first appeared on February 12, 2020 and was last updated on March 8, 2024