How to Cover Up a Cover-Up Tattoo: Tips, Ideas, and What You Need to Know

Tattoos are a beautiful form of self-expression, but sometimes, what seemed like a great idea at the time no longer feels right. That’s where cover-up tattoos come into play. But what if you’ve already had a cover-up tattoo that still isn’t working for you?

Covering up a cover-up tattoo can be more complicated, but it’s not impossible. In this guide, we’ll explore how to approach this process, what to expect, and some creative ideas to make your new design work.

Understanding the Challenge: Why Covering Up a Cover-Up Tattoo is Difficult

Covering up an original tattoo with a second design can be challenging enough, but when it comes to covering a cover-up, things can get even trickier. The key reason is that you are now dealing with more ink, more shading, and potentially darker colors.

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— badly-drawn bee 🐝 (@soapachu) February 13, 2020

When an artist applies a cover-up tattoo, they usually use darker shades and thicker lines to hide the old design. As a result, covering it again limits your options, particularly when it comes to lighter colors and delicate designs.

Finding the Right Tattoo Artist

Not all tattoo artists specialize in cover-up tattoos, let alone a cover-up of a cover-up. This process requires advanced skills, creativity, and experience.

Look for an artist who has a strong portfolio of successful cover-up tattoos. You’ll want someone comfortable working with complex designs, darker colors, and larger pieces. In some cases, artists may even specialize in certain styles that are better suited to cover-ups, such as realism, watercolor, or tribal designs.

When meeting with an artist, have an open discussion about your goals, the limitations of your existing tattoo, and what’s possible for the next cover-up. Keep in mind that not all designs will work, and a good artist will give you honest feedback.

Tattoo Lightening or Removal Before a New Cover-Up

In some cases, a new cover-up may not be possible without lightening the existing tattoo. Laser tattoo removal is a popular option that can fade the previous tattoos enough to allow more flexibility with the new design. While complete removal isn’t necessary, lighting specific areas can give your artist more freedom to create the new tattoo without being restricted by old, dark ink.

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— @tat2envy (@Tatt2Envy) March 4, 2023

Laser removal requires several sessions, and the process can be painful and expensive, but it can significantly increase your options for the next tattoo.

Choosing the Right Design for Your New Cover-Up

Once you’ve lightened the existing tattoo or decided to move forward without removal, it’s time to pick the right design. Here are some tips for choosing a successful cover-up of a cover-up:

• Go Bigger: One of the best ways to effectively cover multiple layers of ink is to opt for a larger design. A small, delicate tattoo is unlikely to hide two layers of ink, but a larger piece with bold lines and shading can do the trick.
• Stick to Darker Colors: Lighter colors like yellow, pink, and white don’t work well in cover-ups, especially when covering darker layers of ink. Black, deep reds, purples, and blues tend to be the most effective choices.
• Choose a Design with Depth: Tattoos with intricate details, shading, and depth often make better cover-ups than simple or minimalist designs. Consider styles like realism, 3D designs, or geometric patterns that can add layers and disguise the old tattoo.
• Think About Placement: Depending on the size and shape of the original tattoo, you may want to adjust the placement of your new design. Extending the tattoo or incorporating it into a larger piece that wraps around the body can make the cover-up more successful.

Ideas for Covering Up a Cover-Up Tattoo

If you’re unsure what design to choose, here are a few ideas that work well for complex cover-up tattoos:

• Floral Designs: Flowers are a popular option for cover-ups because they can be large, detailed, and colorful. Roses, peonies, or lotus flowers are commonly used in cover-up tattoos.
• Animal Tattoos: Whether it’s a fierce lion, a majestic eagle, or a serene koi fish, animal tattoos offer a great opportunity for bold lines and shading, which can help cover up previous ink.
• Mandala or Geometric Designs: These intricate designs are perfect for hiding old tattoos because they rely on patterns, symmetry, and heavy shading.
• Nature Scenes: Mountains, trees, oceans, and celestial designs offer the chance to incorporate a lot of detail and shading, making them ideal for cover-up tattoos.
• Portraits: If you’re looking for something truly unique, a portrait of a loved one or a favorite figure can work as a large, detailed cover-up.

Healing and Aftercare

After getting your new cover-up tattoo, proper aftercare is crucial. Since this is likely your second or even third tattoo on the same area, your skin might be more sensitive. Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions closely. This typically includes:

• Keeping the tattoo clean and dry
• Avoiding direct sunlight and swimming
• Applying any recommended ointments or creams to aid healing
• Avoiding scratching or picking at the tattoo during the healing process

Healing can take several weeks, so be patient and give your skin the time it needs to fully recover.

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Embracing the New Tattoo

Covering up a cover-up tattoo can be an emotional journey. Whether the original tattoo holds memories that no longer resonate, or the first cover-up didn’t turn out as expected, the process of getting a new tattoo is a chance to start fresh. Once you’ve completed the process, embrace your new design with pride. Your tattoo is a reflection of your personal growth, and the story behind it is uniquely yours.

Conclusion

Covering up a cover-up tattoo is no easy feat, but with the right approach and a talented artist, it can be done successfully. Whether you choose to lighten the tattoo first or dive straight into a new design, there are plenty of creative options available to make your new ink look fresh and beautiful. Just remember to go into the process with realistic expectations, an open mind, and patience for the final result.

Tattoos may be permanent, but they can also be transformed. Your new cover-up can become a powerful statement of your evolution.