Getting a tattoo is something that can be very personal piece, or an aesthetic choice that we feel looks great on us. Although over time, for various reasons, we may feel unsatisfied with our existing tattoos. Maybe the design has faded or blurred too much. The meaning or the significance of the tattoo isn’t that special anymore. Or the quality of the work just wasn’t what you hoped for. That’s when a cover up tattoo can make all the difference.
At Sabian Ink, our experienced artists specialize in transforming old tattoos into new, high-quality designs. Ranging from smaller, light cover ups, to large difficult cover ups. We’ll break down what goes into cover up tattoo, the process, the difficulties and what to consider when getting a cover up of your own.
What is a Cover Up Tattoo?
A cover up tattoo is a new tattoo design that conceals or replaces an existing tattoo. Instead of removing the old piece, tattoo artists prepare and create a new design that can properly cover, or implement the existing tattoo. Cover up tattoos generally depends the client’s older piece and their wants for it, along with the tattoos artist’s ideas and process. Cover up tattoos are unique in that they take an extra level of care and attention to create a truly suitable design.
How Cover Up Tattoos Work
Here’s how the process usually goes:
Consultation: This is when you meet with your artist to discuss ideas, review the existing tattoo, and explore design options. This is probably the most important step of preparation before the actual tattoo process. Tattoo artists will ask clients what they would like for their cover up, and explain what can be done with their request as a cover up.
Design Stage: The artist will design the new tattoo to fit the new desired aesthetic, while also effectively covering the existing tattoo. Artists may also design mock ups to show how the tattoo would look over the existing tattoo. Any feedback and final changes will be done in this stage to ensure everyone is happy with the design.
Tattoo Session: Once the design is finalized, the design will be stenciled onto your skin, then tattooed. The tattoo process will be similar to a fresh tattoo. Although it’s worth noting that cover up tattoos can hurt more in comparison to fresh tattoos.
Aftercare and Healing: Once the tattoo is completed, the aftercare of the tattoo will be important to ensure the cover up is effective. The aftercare procedures are the same as a fresh tattoo. Although touch up or follow up sessions may be required depending on the existing tattoo and effectiveness of the cover up.
Factors That Affect Cover Up Tattoos
Not all tattoos are equally easy to cover up. Several factors determine how successful a cover up will be and what kind of design will work best:
1. The Age of the Tattoo
Older tattoos are generally easier to cover because the ink has faded over time. Faded sections allow new pigment to sit more clearly on top. Although some older tattoos can still maintain their darkness over time.
2. The Color and Darkness of the Original Tattoo
Dark or heavily saturated tattoos can be more challenging. In these cases, your artist may use bolder colors, deeper shading, sections of solid dark colors, or even blackwork techniques to effectively cover the original tattoo.
3. Placement on the Body
Areas with thinner skin and/or more movement the like wrists or elbows, can add an extra level of difficulty to the cover up. The artist will consider how the new design flows with the body’s shape and contours.
4. The Size and Complexity of the Old Design
A small, simple tattoo is easier to conceal than a large or detailed one. For bigger pieces, the new design often needs to be larger to effectively hide the old work.
5. Your Skin Tone and Condition
Skin tone, texture, and any scarring from the previous tattoo all affect how the new design appears. Skilled artists know how to adjust color choices and techniques to ensure smooth coverage.
6. Type of Ink Used
Different tattoo inks age and react differently under new layers of pigment. High-quality, modern inks can blend or conceal older tattoos better, making the results more natural and vibrant. Although this can depend between the brands of ink and the tattooing techniques of the artist.
At Sabian Ink, our artists take all of these factors into account when designing your cover up. Each tattoo is designed and done to ensure the best possible result for your skin and style.
The End Results of a Cover Up Tattoo
The final results of a cover up tattoo can be incredible. In most cases, the old design becomes completely invisible. Replaced by a new, cohesive piece of art. However, achieving this level of transformation sometimes requires more than one session. If your old tattoo is particularly dark, large, or deeply saturated. Your artist might recommend multiple sessions to layer pigment and refine details. Some areas may also need touch-ups after healing to enhance color depth or perfect the blending.
Cover Up Tattoo vs Laser Removal
Many people ask whether it’s better to remove a tattoo with laser or to cover it up. Both options have their place, but a cover up can often achieve a beautiful transformation faster and more affordably. Laser removal can fade an existing tattoo. Which can help prepare a tattoo for a more complex cover up later, and open up more options for cover up designs. However, in most cases, an experienced artist can design around your existing tattoo and create something completely new without the need for laser sessions. Only in rare cases will a laser session be needed before a tattoo.
Cover Up Tattoo vs Blast Over Tattoo
While cover ups and blast overs are similar in that they both involve tattooing over existing work, they’re actually quite different in approach and intention.
A Cover Up Tattoo aims to completely conceal the old design. The goal is to make the old tattoo disappear beneath new art. This often involves darker shading, stronger contrast, and careful design planning.
A Blast Over Tattoo, on the other hand, doesn’t hide the original piece entirely. Instead, it’s layered on top, allowing parts of the old tattoo to show through intentionally. The result is a addition rather than a replacement.
Popular Styles for Cover Up Tattoos
Some tattoo styles naturally lend themselves to cover up work because of their strong shading, contrast, and visual depth.
Realism Tattoos
Realism is one of the best styles for cover ups. Using detailed shading and lifelike imagery, realism tattoos can effectively disguise old lines and blend previous tattoos into a new, cohesive design.
Japanese Tattoos
Known for their dynamic flow and powerful imagery, Japanese tattoos can work beautifully for cover ups. Solid black and colored sections, strong lines and clear designs such as dragons, koi fish, and waves provide movement and structure that can mask old tattoos seamlessly.
Neo-Traditional Tattoos
Neo-traditional tattoos use bold outlines, rich colors, and layered designs. Which are all great elements to use for covering older work while adding vibrancy and personality.
Blackwork Tattoos
For darker or heavily saturated old tattoos, blackwork is often the most effective solution. It uses solid black areas and geometric patterns to fully conceal and reshape the previous design into something bold and modern.
Blackout Tattoos
For those wanting to go the extra mile for full coverage, blackout tattoos are considered the ultimate solution. An entire section, tattoo or even body part will be tattooed over in black in. Artists may add designs, patterns or elements to break up the solid black areas. Although blackout tattoos are considered the extra mile for those looking to get a cover up, an option for the most extreme cases.
Why Choose Sabian Ink for Your Cover Up Tattoo
Cover ups are a true test of a tattoo artist’s creativity and technical skill. At Sabian Ink, our team of artists has years of experience crafting detailed, high-quality cover ups for clients from all over the world.
Here’s why people trust us with their transformation:
Skilled artists specializing in color, black & grey, realism, blackwork, japanese and geometric styles.
Personalized design planning for every tattoo. Each piece is a unique piece tailor made for our clients.
High-quality international inks and equipment for high quality tattoos.
Strict hygiene standards matching global studio practices.
Honest advice about what’s achievable and how to get the best results. We want our customers to be properly satisfied with the finish result of their tattoo.
Our mission is to turn your old tattoo into something you’re proud to wear again. Although we know as well that some things may not be realistically achieveable. We don’t want to over promise, rather, deliver the best possible result for your cover up.
Planning Your Cover Up Tattoo
When planning for your cover up, here’s a few things to consider:
- Be open to creative direction from your artist. They can tell you what they can or cannot do with your existing tattoo and ideas.
- Cover ups are generally going to be slightly larger, or darker than the original piece. This is to ensure the best possible coverage and look.
- Bring reference ideas or inspiration photos, but allow your artist to adapt them for the best technical outcome. This is where your artist’s creative direction will come in.
Remember, patience pays off. A great cover up is a process of precision and artistry, and when done right, the result is worth every step. Communication and trust between you and your artist is the most important part of a cover up tattoo.
Book Your Cover Up Tattoo at Sabian Ink
A tattoo you regret doesn’t have to stay that way forever. With the right artist, it can be reborn into something completely new.
At Sabian Ink in Seminyak, we specialize in Cover Up Tattoos that combine technical mastery with creative design. Whether you want to erase an old mistake or reimagine your ink entirely, our team is ready to help.
Book your cover up consultation today and let Sabian Ink transform your old tattoo into a work of art you’ll love for years to come.
