Cover-Up Tattoos:
Everything You Need to Know Before Covering Old Ink

You are not alone. Millions of people have tattoos they regret or that no longer represent who they are: an ex-partner's name, a design from youth that no longer fits, a poorly executed tattoo, or simply something they want to update.

The good news is that you have options. The less good news is that not every option works for every case. After more than 35 years doing cover-ups at Lucifer Tattoo, this guide explains everything you need to know to make the right decision.

Why Do People Want to Cover Their Tattoos?

In over three decades, we have seen every reason:

• Ex-partner's name: The classic. Eternal love that lasted six months.
• Youthful designs: What seemed great at 18 no longer works at 35.
• Poor quality work: Shaky lines, wrong proportions, colours that did not hold.
• Changed taste: Your style has evolved and the tattoo no longer fits.
• Professional reasons: Certain roles require visible tattoos to be covered.
• Faded over time: The tattoo has lost definition or colour.

Whatever your reason, there is no shame in wanting to change a tattoo. It is your body and your decision.

The 3 Main Options

When you want to get rid of a tattoo, there are essentially three paths:

What Makes a Tattoo Coverable?

This is the question we are asked most often during consultations. The honest answer: most tattoos can be worked with, but the result and process depend on several factors.

Darkness and Saturation of the Ink

The most important factor. A light, faded or pastel tattoo can be covered with many design options. A fully saturated black tattoo is the most restrictive — the cover-up will need to be significantly darker and bolder to effectively mask it.

Size of the Original Tattoo

The cover-up design will always need to be larger than the original — typically 20–30% larger — to allow strategic placement of dark elements over the existing ink. A very large tattoo requires a cover-up of substantial size.

Age and Fading

Older tattoos that have faded naturally with time are much easier to cover than fresh ones. The ink disperses and lightens over the years, giving the covering artist more flexibility.

Location on the Body

Some body areas heal differently. Hands, feet and joints stretch and move constantly, which affects both the original tattoo's state and how the cover-up heals.

Design Considerations for Cover-Ups

A cover-up tattoo is not simply drawing something on top of another. It requires a specific approach:

Darker and More Complex Designs Work Best

Cover-up designs rely on dark areas, bold lines and dense elements to hide the old ink. Styles that lend themselves well to cover-ups include: traditional, neo-traditional, blackwork, and certain realistic styles. Minimalist or fine line designs rarely work as cover-ups on their own.

Using the Original as Part of the New Design

Experienced artists do not just paint over the old tattoo — they incorporate its shape into the new design. A dragon's wing might follow the lines of the old piece; a floral element might use existing curves. This requires significantly more planning than a standard tattoo.

What Does Not Work as a Cover-Up

• Light watercolour designs over dark tattoos
• Very fine line work over saturated areas
• Portrait styles that require precise skin tones in areas with existing dark ink
• Attempting to "hide" a large piece with a small design

The Cover-Up Process at Lucifer Tattoo

Step 1 — Consultation

We assess your existing tattoo in person: its size, colours, density and condition. We discuss design directions and whether laser lightening would benefit your specific case. This consultation is the most important step.

Step 2 — Design Development

Unlike a standard tattoo, a cover-up design cannot be finalised without reference to the original. The artist develops a design that accounts for the shape and dark areas of the existing piece. This takes more time than a regular commission.

Step 3 — Session

Cover-up sessions tend to run longer than regular tattoos because placement must be precise and the artist works carefully to ensure full coverage. Depending on size, one session may suffice or multiple sessions may be needed.

Step 4 — Aftercare

Aftercare for a cover-up follows the same principles as any fresh tattoo. Follow the studio's instructions carefully — the healing process is crucial for achieving good coverage and colour retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any tattoo be covered up?

Most tattoos can be covered, but not all with the same approach. Small, light or faded tattoos are easier to cover. Large, dark or saturated tattoos may require laser lightening before a cover-up can be done effectively. A consultation is always the first step.

How many times bigger does a cover-up need to be?

As a general rule, the cover-up design needs to be 20–30% larger than the original tattoo to allow for strategic placement of darker elements over the old ink. The exact size depends on the original tattoo's density and colour.

Do I need laser before a cover-up?

Not always. For lighter or older tattoos, a direct cover-up is possible. For very dark, densely saturated or large pieces, 2–4 laser sessions to lighten the existing ink first opens up significantly more design options for the cover-up.

How long does a cover-up session take?

Cover-up sessions typically take longer than regular tattoos because the design must be precisely positioned over the existing ink. Depending on the size, sessions range from 2 to 5 hours. Larger pieces may require multiple sessions.