Tattoo Removals vs. Tattoo Cover Ups
As you start exploring ways to part with a tattoo that no longer represents you, you’ll have two main options to choose from: a cover-up or a removal. The most suitable choice depends on your skin type, your skin tone, the characteristics of the original tattoo, as well as any objectives for the final outcome. It’s vital to understand all the aspects involved in either option before making a decision.
1. Removing Your Tattoo Ink
Tatt2Away®s Tatt2Revise® is the next evolution in tattoo cover-ups, or as we like to call them, replacements. The Tatt2Away® process gives you the flexibility to fix, correct, or update what’s already there, even if you already have a cover-up tattoo. It opens up your world to new possibilities with the tattoo you’ve fallen out of love with. No longer does the old ink have to dictate the new art.
Tatt2Revise® is the process of selectively removing sections of the existing tattoo, entirely or in parts, so that it doesn’t restrict your new tattoo cover-up. It’s just what we like to call a partial removal! A typical cover-up fully incorporates the previous ink into the new design and requires going bigger, darker, and tricking the eye through colour and weighted line work. This limits cover-up options – Tatt2Revise® removes those limits and makes room for incredible tattoo revisions or replacements. Tatt2Away® also works on all colour ink, while a laser cannot remove certain pigment tattoo ink. So, no matter the colour of the design you want to remove, Tatt2Away® is effective!
Tatt2Revise® with Tatt2Away® targets the ink to be removed and eliminates it in one treatment – it is the safer, faster, and more precise replacement or revision option.
2. Concealing Tattoos with a Tattoo Cover-Up
Cover-up tattoos involve inking a brand-new design over the original, unwanted tattoo. This technique employs parts of the initial design to develop something entirely distinct.
A cover-up tattoo is an ideal option for those who are comfortable having a tattoo in the exact same place but desire a new design or wish to conceal the original. For instance, someone who received a stick-and-poke tattoo on the foot from a friend in grade school might decide it’s time for a more professional piece. They could collaborate with a tattoo artist to create an exquisite new floral pattern that integrates the black ink of the original tattoo while entirely obscuring it.
A tattoo cover-up might also be an excellent choice for someone looking to add a fresh piece to their body without the need for multiple tattoo removal sessions. For example, someone with a flower sleeve tattoo might envision a grand cosmic design instead. By working with a tattoo artist, they could use dark ink and an expansive design to hide the initial tattoo beneath a new work of art.
Keep in mind that Tatt2Revise® creates optimal results when combined with cover-up tattoos. In many instances, undergoing Tatt2Revise® tattoo removal sessions to break up the original tattoo yields better outcomes for covering it up and provides your tattoo artist with more creative possibilities.
Ultimately, the most reliable way to eliminate an unwanted tattoo is through tattoo removal or a tattoo cover-up.
The Process of a Cover-Up Tattoo
If you’ve settled on a tattoo cover-up as your preferred choice, you’re likely wondering, “How does this actually work?“
The concept behind a tattoo cover-up is related to the layers of your skin. The ink from your previous tattoo resides in the dermis, the layer beneath the top layers of skin (the epidermis). The new ink colour will also be deposited into the dermis, where it will blend with the old ink.
Due to this blending, a tattoo artist must take into account both the old and new colours when selecting ink for your cover-up. For instance, tattooing over an old blue tattoo with red ink will result in a purple shade.
It’s also crucial to note that darker inks will prevail. An old black ink tattoo “covered” with hot pink will likely remain predominantly black.
The Cover-Up Journey Consists of Several Steps:
- Select a Design: You probably have numerous tattoo cover-up ideas already. Determine the kind of tattoo you’d like to use to hide the old design, considering aspects such as size, colour, design elements, and more.
- Consult a Specialist: Collaborate with a cover-up specialist to ascertain if any tattoo removal sessions are needed to fade your initial tattoo.
- Pick an Artist: After healing from your removal sessions or if none are required, meet with your cover-up tattoo artist to discuss your design concepts.
- Embrace Your New Artwork: Get your cover-up tattoo! It’s a fantastic feeling to witness your cover-up tattoo ideas come to fruition.
If you’re uncertain about how to choose a cover-up tattoo, don’t worry — continue reading for more ideas on the type of designs that will best suit you.
Temporary Methods to Conceal Your Tattoos
Alternative temporary solutions for hiding your tattoos involve using makeup or accessories (such as a bracelet to cover an unwanted wrist tattoo). Unfortunately, these methods provide short-term results and can be time-consuming to apply. Moreover, they are not foolproof — makeup can be easily smudged or washed away.
Ultimately, the most reliable way to eliminate an unwanted tattoo is through tattoo removal or a tattoo cover-up.
The Process of a Cover-Up Tattoo
If you’ve settled on a tattoo cover-up as your preferred choice, you’re likely wondering, “How does this actually work?“
The concept behind a tattoo cover-up is related to the layers of your skin. The ink from your previous tattoo resides in the dermis, the layer beneath the top layers of skin (the epidermis). The new ink colour will also be deposited into the dermis, where it will blend with the old ink.
Due to this blending, a tattoo artist must take into account both the old and new colours when selecting ink for your cover-up. For instance, tattooing over an old blue tattoo with red ink will result in a purple shade.
It’s also crucial to note that darker inks will prevail. An old black ink tattoo “covered” with hot pink will likely remain predominantly black.
The Cover-Up Journey Consists of Several Steps:
- Select a Design: You probably have numerous tattoo cover-up ideas already. Determine the kind of tattoo you’d like to use to hide the old design, considering aspects such as size, colour, design elements, and more.
- Consult a Specialist: Collaborate with a cover-up specialist to ascertain if any tattoo removal sessions are needed to fade your initial tattoo.
- Pick an Artist: After healing from your removal sessions or if none are required, meet with your cover-up tattoo artist to discuss your design concepts.
- Embrace Your New Artwork: Get your cover-up tattoo! It’s a fantastic feeling to witness your cover-up tattoo ideas come to fruition.
If you’re uncertain about how to choose a cover-up tattoo, don’t worry — continue reading for more ideas on the type of designs that will best suit you.
Aspects That Affect Covering Up a Tattoo
When considering a tattoo cover-up, various factors will influence your decision. Keep these in mind when deciding on the right cover-up tattoo for you.
Size
The dimensions of your current tattoo will dictate the minimum size for your new tattoo. The new design must be large enough to conceal the old one. For instance, if you want to cover up a full sleeve, the new tattoo will likely need to be a full sleeve as well. A palm-sized skull and crossbones on your back would require a cover-up of the same size or larger.
Colour
Lighter, faded tattoos are generally easier to cover than darker ones. The cover-up artist will need to consider the existing colours and determine if they will be visible through the new tattoo. Furthermore, having multiple colours in the original piece can make covering it more challenging. For example, it would be difficult to cover a colourful stained-glass window with a light blue sky without first undergoing extensive tattoo removal sessions to fade the original.
Age
Older tattoos often have faded ink and blurred lines, which makes them easier to cover up. An aged, large, coloured tattoo on your ankle might be simpler to conceal than a smaller black tattoo you got last year. The older tattoo has had more time to settle, allowing the new ink to penetrate your skin more effectively.
Design
The design of your previous tattoo plays a role in its cover-up potential. Intricate designs can be harder to cover than simpler ones. A cover-up tattoo might need to be equally detailed. For example, it would be challenging to cover a portrait of your pet with a simple tribal line tattoo. On the other hand, incorporating a simple line tattoo into a new, detailed portrait is much more feasible!
Artist
The experience level and specialisation of your tattoo artist are crucial factors in deciding who to work with for your cover-up. Even if you find an artist whose work you admire, it’s vital to collaborate with someone who has specific experience in tattoo cover-ups.
For instance, you may discover an artist who creates stunning full-colour floral designs and want to work with them to cover up an ex-partner’s name on your foot. However, if the artist lacks experience in cover-up tattoos, they might not know how to choose the appropriate ink composition and colour to effectively hide an old tattoo. The result could be a beautiful garden with a name still visible through it!
