Blackwork
Blackwork uses solid black areas and bold shapes. This makes it possible to cover even darker tattoos reliably.
Aftercare guide
Cover-up: covering an old tattoo
A tattoo you no longer like does not have to stay the way it is. We explain honestly when a cover-up works and what to expect.
In short
The essentials in 30 seconds
- A cover-up hides an old tattoo under a new design that absorbs its lines and areas.
- The new design is almost always larger and darker than the old one.
- The lighter and smaller the old tattoo, the more freedom there is in the design.
- Sometimes laser helps first to lighten very dark areas.
- It all starts with honest advice based on photos of your tattoo.
Tattoo ink cannot simply be painted over with a lighter colour. A cover-up works with darkness, texture and clever placement.
Requirements
When a cover-up works well
Whether a cover-up succeeds depends mainly on the old tattoo.
Good starting point
- The old tattoo is fairly light, faded or done with fine lines.
- There is enough skin around it for the new design to be larger.
- You are open to a design with dark areas, texture or lots of detail.
- The skin is fully healed and without heavy scarring.
More difficult starting point
- Very dark, solid or large black tattoos.
- Little space around it, for example on fingers, the wrist or between other tattoos.
- The wish for a very small, light or very fine new design.
- Heavy scarring or lines tattooed very deep.
If the old tattoo is very dark, laser treatment to lighten it can make sense. This is done by a doctor or a specialised laser studio, not by us. More in Tattoo removal or cover-up?
Styles
Which styles suit a cover-up
Ornamental
Ornamental patterns, mandalas and line structures spread darkness evenly and draw the eye away from the old design.
Realism
Realism with lots of shading and texture offers dark areas in which old lines can disappear.
Nature and florals
Leaves, flowers, feathers or animals have irregular shapes and shadows that adapt well to an old tattoo.
Fine, light styles such as fine line are usually not suitable for covering a tattoo. They can still work as part of the new design. You will find examples and more about our work under Cover-up.
Process
How a cover-up works with us
-
Step 1
Send photos
- Send us well lit photos of the old tattoo through the request form, ideally in daylight, one close up and one from a little further away.
- Tell us what bothers you about the old tattoo and what you would like instead.
-
Step 2
Honest assessment
- We look at how dark and large the old tattoo is and how much space there is around it.
- If a cover-up does not make sense or laser would help first, we tell you openly.
-
Step 3
Planning and design
- We plan the new design so that dark areas sit exactly where the old tattoo needs to disappear.
- We go through the design with you and adjust it until it feels right for you.
-
Step 4
Tattooing
- Depending on size and starting point, we work in one or several sessions.
- Between sessions your skin gets time to heal.
-
Step 5
Healing and aftercare
- A cover-up heals like any other tattoo. Everything you need is in our Tattoo aftercare guide.
- You only see the final result after healing. Sometimes a small addition is needed then.
To be honest
What a cover-up can and cannot do
Create a new design
A good cover-up is a tattoo in its own right that you are happy to show, not just a patch.
Not make everything invisible
On close inspection or in certain light, a trace of the old design may show through. We plan so that it is as unnoticeable as possible.
Accept compromises
Design, size and style partly depend on the old tattoo. Staying open usually leads to the more harmonious result.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about cover-ups
Can any tattoo be covered?
Not every one, but many. What matters is how dark and large the old tattoo is and where it is. With good photos we can give you an honest first assessment.
Does the new tattoo have to be larger?
Usually yes. The new design needs enough space and dark areas to absorb the old one. How much larger depends on the old tattoo.
Can I cover a black tattoo with a light or colourful one?
Light colours do not cover dark ink. Colour is possible in a cover-up, but it needs dark areas in the right places. For very dark tattoos, laser lightening beforehand can make sense.
When does laser before a cover-up make sense?
When the old tattoo is very dark or large, or if you would like a lighter, finer new design. The laser treatment is done by a doctor or a specialised laser studio. More in Tattoo removal or cover-up?
How much does a cover-up cost?
That depends on size, style and starting point and can only be assessed with photos. What the price depends on in general is explained in How much does a tattoo cost?
Consultation
Your cover-up at Herzstickl
A tattoo you no longer like is nothing to be ashamed of. In our studio in Schlanders and our branch in Kaltern we listen to you and look for a solution together that you will enjoy looking at again.
Send us photos through the form and we will get back to you personally.
This guide gives general aftercare advice and does not replace medical advice. Your artist’s instructions always come first.