Need some ideas on how to cover up that old ugly tattoo you don’t want anymore? Maybe this will help

   Unfortunately, many of us who have tattoos, have experienced what it’s like to walk into a “professional” tattoo shop, and leave with a not-so-professional tattoo. 

Or maybe you just got the tattoo when you were young and now you just don’t feel the same way about that stick and poke tattoo you got one day while skipping school.  

Or perhaps, the tattoo wasn’t even done badly, as much as it was your own fault for making that bad decision of getting an bf/gf’s name tattooed, and now your new significant other, is not all-too-fond of your particular ink collection.  

Whatever the case may be, now many of us are walking  around with tattoos that we may not exactly be happy with, and have now finally said, “Its time to coverup this old thing..... but what should I get?” 

Well I’ve come up with a few simple need-to-know pointers that should help you come up with a proper coverup idea that may help you ensure your new tattoos actually makes you feel brand new again! 

1. Ok, so one of the first things I always tell customers when it comes to coverups regarding the size is really simple, GO BIG! 

Generally speaking, your new tattoo should be at least about twice the size of the old tattoo. 

That’s because the bigger the new coverup is, the easier it becomes to get rid of the old tattoo completely.  So don’t be shy this time around, and consider, very seriously, the possibility that you may have to get a bigger tattoo than you may have originally thought.  

In the case of a coverup, size does matter! 

(Before picture of the eagle stencil over the old cross and wording about to get covered) 

(After 2 sessions of 8 hours each)

2. Be sure to keep in mind that this is not a fresh tattoo on fresh skin, so it’s very possible the artist may have to pull some tricks from up his sleeve in order to pull off the magic of making your old tattoo disappear.  

If your old tattoo happens to have been professionally done, then it’s probably got some heavy black in there.  

It’s important to know that the only thing that covers black, is more black, and very dark colors. 

Which means, you should have an open mind when it comes to your coverup, and allow the artists to take the steps they deem necessary in order to do a proper coverup. 

The darker the old tattoo is, the trickier it can get.  However if your tattoo is faded, it makes the cover just a little bit easier for the artist.  

(Before picture of skull stencil over an old, solid black rooster above the knee)  

(After 2 sessions for a total of 10 hours of work, this was the final coverup) 

3. Regarding the actual design, you should still, as usual, go with something that you will be happy wearing. But you would do well to remember that you don’t get the same freedom to choose just any old design, as you would on fresh skin. 

There are certain designs that will just not work as a coverup and your artist should be able to help you in determining what Will and won’t work.  

For example, it’s never wise to try to cover up a lettering tattoo, with more lettering.  What you’ll actually end up with is a jumbled mess of letters that just can’t be read. That is, of course, unless the new lettering is going to be huge compared to the old one. 

It’s usually better to go with an illustrated image, that can be used to hide and disguise the old tattoo while still maintaining the integrity of the new tattoo. 

(Before and after photos of the old scribble tattoo and the new hair-stylish coverup ) 

In this last example I had to deal with all of these issues in a single tattoo.  It was very dark, very squiggly and already a good size.  It was a tattoo which did not make for an easy coverup at all.  Although She was a little hesitant at first to go with something so big, I was fortunate enough to have her trust and we came up w a concept that spoke to her character and we were able to execute this coverup which she was very happy with afterwards.  

As usual it’s important to make sure you have that bond and trust with your artist and that your confident in their skills.  

If you’re curious about how to do that, check out my previous blogs where I talk about finding the right artist for you.