Best Tattoo Cover-Ups with Tatt2Away®
Considering a tattoo cover-up to hide tributes to an ex or an unwanted piece of ink? Our comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate the journey to tattoo removal and ensure you make the best decision for your cover-up tattoo—or as we like to call them, replacement tattoos! With Tatt2Away®, we prepare the perfect canvas for whatever new tattoo you desire in place of your old ink.
You’ve already tackled the most challenging step: deciding it’s time to cover up your old tattoo. Whether it represents a past phase you’re ready to move on from, a disappointing result from a previous artist, or simply a desire for a fresh piece of art, you’re ready for a change.
This choice, however, brings up some important questions: Where is the best place to get a cover-up tattoo? How much will a tattoo cover-up cost? Are all tattoo artists skilled in cover-ups? Can your specific tattoo be effectively covered up? Does your old tattoo need removal first? With Tatt2Revise®, you can choose to revise or replace your tattoo. Navigating the process of understanding cover-up tattoos can be intimidating, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
This guide will offer valuable information on:
Choose Tatt2Revise®
Looking to Revise or Replace Your Tattoo?
Tatt2Revise® offers a groundbreaking approach to tattoo cover-ups by selectively removing sections of an existing tattoo, either in full or in parts, without restricting your new tattoo cover-up options. Traditionally, a cover-up involves incorporating the previous ink into the new design, often requiring the new tattoo to be bigger, darker, and strategically designed to deceive the eye using colour and line work. This method can limit the possibilities for your cover-up. However, Tatt2Revise® with Tatt2Away® removes these limitations, providing a safer, quicker, and more precise option for tattoo revisions or replacements.
Tatt2Revise® with Tatt2Away® targets the ink to be removed and eliminates it in one treatment – it’s the safer, faster, and more precise option for replacement or revision.
Defining a Tattoo Cover-Up
A cover-up tattoo is a new design placed over an existing tattoo, either completely hiding the old tattoo or incorporating it into the new artwork. Essentially, it involves layering one tattoo over another.
Why People Choose Cover-Up Tattoos:
- The initial tattoo was not well-executed
- The tattoo represents a challenging time in someone’s life or no longer reflects their current identity
- The tattoo has faded or appears outdated
- The tattoo is now seen as offensive
- The individual wants to incorporate the tattoo into a new design
The reasons for choosing a cover-up tattoo are as varied as the people seeking them. The success of a cover-up depends on the original tattoo and the design of the new one. Older, faded tattoos in lighter colours like blues and greens are generally easier to cover than a new, all-black tattoo. However, with advanced removal methods like Tatt2Away that effectively work on all colours, getting a replacement tattoo becomes much more feasible.
Before deciding on the best way to eliminate your unwanted tattoo, it’s essential to understand your options and the likelihood of a cover-up working for your specific situation. Tatt2Revise® offers the flexibility to modify your tattoo as needed, creating the perfect canvas for your next piece of body art.
The Tatt2Revise® Process
Makes it possible to cover a dark tattoo with a lighter, more detailed piece by selectively removing the old artwork.
This creates unprecedented freedom in your replacement design options. The full length of treatment is usually not required before you can create a beautiful new piece of art. Often, one or two sessions are enough to make room for the new tattoo.
The overall Tatt2Revise® process enables you to remove exactly what you didn’t want and ensures you don’t have to compromise on getting the exact tattoo cover-up, replacement, or revision you desire.
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.
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!
Choosing the Perfect Cover-Up Tattoo
Now that you’re familiar with the process and factors involved in selecting a tattoo cover-up, it’s time to have some fun and create your dream design! Here are some tips for choosing the ideal cover-up tattoo.
– Align the New Design with the Old Ink
Cover-up tattoos work best when the new design is closely related to the old ink. For instance, if you have a large Celtic knot on your foot, opting for a cover-up design with a similar Celtic theme would be more manageable than trying a realistic piece.
– Think About Expanding the Current Design
Youmight be able to enhance your existing design by adding elements, intensifying colours, or enlarging the original tattoo. If you have a single feather tattoo, for example, consider transforming it into an exquisite peacock cover-up piece.
– Be Ready for a Larger Tattoo
Your cover-up tattoo must be at least the same size as the original and possibly even larger. Keep this in mind when determining your new design and deciding between a replacement or removal.
– Anticipate More Maintenance for Cover-Up Tattoos
Cover-up tattoos might require up to three sessions to ensure the ink fully saturates the original design. These tattoos can also fade more quickly than the original ones, so practising proper tattoo care, such as moisturising and sun protection, is crucial.
– Seek Out Skilled Cover-Up Tattoo Artists
When starting your cover-up journey, it’s essential to work with an artist experienced in cover-up tattoos. These artists can help you choose a design that effectively hides your old tattoo and provide style and colour recommendations. When searching for tattoo artists, don’t hesitate to request cover-up examples from their portfolios. Prepare questions in advance to ensure they’re the right fit.
Possible questions include:
- What is your approach to covering old tattoos?
- How many cover-ups have you done?
- What should I keep in mind while healing from a cover-up tattoo?
- Do you have any before-and-after photos of cover-ups you’ve done?
– Consider Tatt2Away® Tattoo Removal
If your tattoo is dark, heavily coloured, or new, you might need multiple sessions to remove the correct amount of ink for your replacement tattoos. Even lighter or older tattoos can benefit from removal sessions, providing a more faded canvas for the cover-up. Keep this in mind when planning your timeline and budget for the tattoo cover-up process. Laser tattoo removal does not work on all colour inks and has other limitations, while the Tatt2Away® system works on any colour or pigment ink. This is another big factor in deciding what process to use!
– Maintain Realistic Expectations
While it’s exciting to envision your dream tattoo, ensure you set realistic expectations to avoid disappointment later. Covering an intricate, dark portrait with a clear blue sky, for example, might not be possible without multiple tattoo removal sessions.
Working with experts early in the process allows you to communicate your desired outcome, and they can guide you on the most effective path to achieve it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cover-Up Tattoos
We hope this guide has answered your questions about selecting a cover-up tattoo and provided you with the necessary steps to move forward. Here are some additional frequently asked questions.
Is It Possible to Cover a Black Tattoo with Colour?
Covering a black tattoo with a colour other than black can be challenging. Dark shades like navy blue or brown might be effective, but lighter colours won’t successfully cover an original black tattoo. If you’re interested in incorporating vibrant colours into your new tattoo, consider Tatt2Revise tattoo removal to fade your original black design.
When Can a Tattoo Be Covered Up?
If you have a new tattoo that didn’t turn out as you imagined, you might be eager to get it covered up immediately. However, it’s essential to wait until your tattoo has fully healed before pursuing a cover-up design. New tattoos are considered open wounds, and while the top layer of skin may heal within two to three weeks, it can take months for the tattoo to heal completely at all skin depths.
Consult an experienced cover-up tattoo artist to determine whether your newer tattoo is healed enough for a cover-up.
How Should You Care for a Cover-Up Tattoo?
Caring for a cover-up tattoo is similar to caring for tattoos that are new.
Key care elements include:
- Keep the new tattoo covered with a bandage for the duration recommended by your tattoo artist.
- Clean your new tattoo with clean water and fragrance-free soap.
- Apply moisturizer as directed by your tattoo artist.
- Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight.
- Refrain from scratching or picking at your cover-up tattoo.
Which Colours Can Be Used for a Tattoo Cover-Up?
Tattoo artists can use various colours to cover up tattoos, depending on the existing tattoo’s colour and the desired final design. They can use darker shades of the same colour or mix different coloured inks with the existing ink to create a new colour. For example, a blue ink combined with a red tattoo will produce purple.
Although many colours can be used, black ink often works best for cover-up tattoos. Discuss your colour preferences and what is achievable given your original tattoo’s colours and designs with your tattoo artist.
What Is the Cost of a Cover-Up Tattoo?
The cost of a cover-up tattoo varies based on several factors, including the desired size and colour, the level of detail, and the artist’s experience. It’s important to note that a cover-up tattoo may be more expensive than a similar design on unmarked skin because the artist must carefully plan the design and ink type based on the original tattoo, which requires additional labour and time.
Does a Cover-Up Tattoo Hurt More than a Regular Tattoo?
The pain level during a cover-up tattoo session can be similar to that of getting a new tattoo. However, individual pain tolerance varies, and some people may find the process of covering up an existing tattoo slightly more uncomfortable due to the additional layers of ink and the possible presence of scar tissue.
How Long Does a Cover-Up Tattoo Take?
The time required for a cover-up tattoo depends on the complexity of the design, the size of the original tattoo, and the skill of the tattoo artist. A cover-up tattoo may take longer than a new tattoo on unmarked skin due to the additional planning and strategy involved in covering up the original design effectively.
Can a Cover-Up Tattoo Be Removed?
Yes, a cover-up tattoo can be removed using Tatt2Revise or other tattoo removal methods. However, the process may be more complicated and require additional sessions compared to removing a single-layer tattoo. It’s essential to consult with a tattoo removal specialist to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Can I Cover Up a Tattoo With White Ink?
Covering up a tattoo with white ink is generally not effective, as white ink does not have enough pigment to effectively hide the original design. Darker colours, such as black or navy, are typically more successful for cover-up tattoos. Consult with an experienced cover-up tattoo artist to discuss the best colour options for your specific situation.
How Long Should I Wait Before Getting a Cover-Up Tattoo on a New Tattoo?
It’s essential to wait until your new tattoo is fully healed before considering a cover-up. This healing process typically takes about 2-3 months, but it can vary depending on factors such as size, location, and your body’s healing rate. Consult with a cover-up tattoo artist to determine the appropriate waiting period for your specific situation.
Is it Possible to Do a Partial Cover-Up of a Tattoo?
Yes, it is possible to do a partial cover-up of a tattoo. In this case, the new design may incorporate specific elements of the original tattoo while covering up the unwanted parts. An experienced cover-up tattoo artist can help you determine the best approach for your specific situation.
How Can I Ensure My Cover-Up Tattoo is Successful?
To ensure your cover-up tattoo is successful, work with an experienced cover-up tattoo artist who understands the intricacies of covering up existing tattoos. You should choose a tattoo removal service that removes the portions of the tattoo as directed by the tattoo artist, and consider if the colour ink can be removed. They can help guide you in choosing the right design, size, and colours to effectively conceal your original tattoo. Additionally, follow the recommended aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Can I Cover Up a Tattoo with a Lighter Colour?
Covering up a tattoo with a lighter colour is generally not effective, as the original tattoo’s ink will likely show through the lighter colour. Darker colours, such as black, navy, or dark brown, are usually more successful in covering up unwanted tattoos. Consult with a skilled cover-up tattoo artist to discuss the best colour options for your specific situation.
Will a Cover-Up Tattoo Look Like a Brand New Tattoo?
A well-executed cover-up tattoo can look like a brand new tattoo, effectively hiding the original design. However, the success of a cover-up tattoo depends on factors such as the original tattoo’s size, colour, and design, as well as the skill of the cover-up tattoo artist. It’s important to have realistic expectations and work closely with your tattoo artist to achieve the desired outcome.
Can I Cover Up a Raised or Scarred Tattoo?
Covering up a raised or scarred tattoo is possible, but it may be more challenging due to the irregular skin texture. An experienced cover-up tattoo artist can help determine the best approach and design to effectively conceal a raised or scarred tattoo. In some cases, they may recommend treating the scarred area with dermatology treatments before attempting a cover-up tattoo.
How Long Does It Take for a Cover-Up Tattoo to Heal?
The healing time for a cover-up tattoo is similar to that of a new tattoo, usually taking about 2-4 weeks for the outer layers of skin to heal and 2-3 months for the deeper layers. Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Can I Get a Cover-Up Tattoo if I Have an Allergic Reaction to the Original Tattoo?
If you have an allergic reaction to the ink in your original tattoo, it’s essential to consult with a cover-up tattoo artist and a medical professional before considering a cover-up tattoo. They can help determine the cause of the allergic reaction and whether it is safe to proceed with a cover-up using different ink or other alternatives.
Do Cover-Up Tattoos Hurt More than Regular Tattoos?
Cover-up tattoos may feel slightly more painful than a regular tattoo, as the tattoo artist needs to go over the same area where your skin has already been inked. However, pain levels vary from person to person, and your experience will depend on factors such as your pain tolerance and the location of the tattoo.
How Many Sessions Will It Take to Complete a Cover-Up Tattoo?
The number of sessions required for a cover-up tattoo will vary depending on factors such as the size, colour, and design of the original tattoo, as well as the complexity of the cover-up design. Some cover-ups can be completed in a single session, while others may require multiple sessions. Your cover-up tattoo artist will be able to give you an estimate of the number of sessions needed for your specific situation.
CanI Cover Up a Tattoo That Is Still Healing?
It’s important to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before considering a cover-up. Covering up a tattoo that is still healing can increase the risk of infection and other complications. Generally, you should wait at least 2-3 months after getting a tattoo before considering a cover-up.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Cover-Up Tattoos?
Cover-up tattoos carry similar risks to regular tattoos, including infection, allergic reactions, and scarring. However, working with an experienced cover-up tattoo artist and following proper aftercare instructions can help minimise these risks. If you have any concerns, consult with your tattoo artist and a medical professional before proceeding with a cover-up tattoo.
How Can I Ensure My Cover-Up Tattoo Looks Natural and Seamless?
To ensure your cover-up tattoo looks natural and seamless, first choose a removal service that is effective. Be sure the portions of the tattoo that need to be removed can be, and that there are no preventions such as colour ink and laser. Next, work with an experienced cover-up tattoo artist who has a strong portfolio of successful cover-up work. They can help guide you in choosing the right design, size, and colours to effectively blend with and conceal your original tattoo. Following proper aftercare instructions will also help ensure the best results.
Can I Cover Up a Tattoo That Has Already Been Covered Up Before?
Yes, it is possible to cover up a tattoo that has already been covered up before. However, it can be more challenging due to the multiple layers of ink and the complexity of the design. An experienced cover-up tattoo artist can help you determine the best approach for your specific situation and create a new design that effectively conceals the previous tattoos.
