Research Note: I have one cover-up tattoo and have been researching cover-up specialists because I’m considering covering another piece I regret. This post draws from my personal cover-up experience, conversations with artists who specialize in cover-up work, research into what makes cover-ups successful versus disasters, and the emotional journey of dealing with tattoo regret. I’m sharing this as someone who’s lived through both the regret and the transformation, not as a tattoo artist.
Why Cover-Ups Are More Common Than You Think
Tattoo regret is real and surprisingly common. According to various surveys, anywhere from 20-40% of people with tattoos regret at least one of them. Reasons vary: poor-quality work, relationship tattoos after breakups, youthful decisions that don’t fit adult life, style trends that aged badly, or designs that simply don’t resonate anymore.
Cover-up tattoos offer a solution: transforming the regret piece into something you actually want to wear. But cover-ups aren’t magic—they have limitations, require skilled artists, and sometimes still leave traces of the original tattoo.
My own cover-up experience taught me: a good cover-up is a second chance, not a perfect erasure.
My Personal Cover-Up Experience
What I Covered and Why
I had a small tribal armband from my early 20s (classic regret territory). It wasn’t particularly bad work, but I got it during the 1990s tribal trend without understanding cultural appropriation concerns, and it no longer fit who I am or what I want my body art to represent.
My Cover-Up Process:
- Consulted cover-up specialist (not just any tattoo artist)
- Discussed limitations (dark tribal needed dark cover-up design)
- Designed something larger (cover-up was 3x the size of original)
- Chose bold subject (geometric mandala in black and grey)
- Accepted compromises (some tribal still slightly visible up close)
Result: I’m happy with it. From normal viewing distance, you don’t see the original. Up close, if you know to look, you can see hints of the old tribal pattern. But it’s infinitely better than what was there.
What I learned: Cover-ups require realistic expectations, willingness to go larger/darker, and finding artists who specialize in this specific skill.
Cover-Up vs. Laser Removal
When to Choose Which Option
Cover-Up Tattoos: Best when:
- You want new tattoo in same location
- Original tattoo is relatively small and not too dark
- You can’t afford or don’t want to wait for laser removal (months to years)
- Original placement is good real estate you’d like to use
- You accept going larger and darker
Laser Removal: Best when:
- You want that area completely clear (no new tattoo)
- Original tattoo is very dark or large (difficult to cover)
- You have time and budget for multiple sessions (6-12+ treatments)
- You want maximum flexibility for future tattoo placement
- Original tattoo is particularly stubborn (solid black, dense coverage)
Laser Fading + Cover-Up (Hybrid Approach): According to Removery’s guide to laser before cover-up, many people opt for partial laser removal to fade (not fully remove) the original tattoo, making cover-up easier:
Advantages:
- Lightens dark areas that would limit cover-up design
- Reduces size effectively covered by new design
- Gives more design options
- 2-4 laser sessions may be sufficient (vs. 8-12 for complete removal)
Disadvantages:
- Additional cost ($150-500 per laser session)
- Time (2-4 months for fading sessions before cover-up)
- Some people experience scarring from laser (can complicate tattooing)
My Consideration for Future Cover-Up: I’m researching both pure cover-up and laser-assisted cover-up for another piece. The cost-benefit analysis depends on:
- How dark the original is
- How much larger I’m willing to go
- Whether I have $500-1000 extra for laser fading
- How long I’m willing to wait (immediate cover-up vs. 4-6 months for laser + cover-up)
What Makes Good Cover-Up Candidates
Easiest Tattoos to Cover
Small, Light Tattoos:
- Minimal coverage area
- Light shading or linework only
- Faded already
- Lots of design options
Thin Linework:
- Simple outlines
- No heavy shading
- Old enough to have faded some
- Can be covered with strategically placed darker elements
Light Colors:
- Yellows, light blues, pastels
- Cover easily with most darker colors
- More design flexibility
Small Script/Text:
- Blurred text often easy to incorporate into larger design
- Can become part of feathers, leaves, abstract elements
Difficult Tattoos to Cover
Large, Solid Black Tattoos:
- Require even larger, darker cover-up
- Limited design options (usually more black, sometimes color but darker values)
- May always show slight shadow through cover-up
Dense Tribal/Blackwork:
- Very dark, very solid
- Cover-up must be significantly larger
- Often requires creative use of negative space
Very Dark Color Tattoos:
- Purples, dark blues, dark greens
- Difficult to cover without going nearly black
- May need laser fading first
Large Tattoos:
- Require massive cover-up (often 2-3x larger)
- Limit placement options (if covering shoulder, new design extends to chest/back)
- Higher cost due to size
Fresh Tattoos:
- Must wait minimum 6-8 weeks for full healing
- Ideally wait 6-12 months for ink to fully settle
- Can’t rush this—tattooing over healing skin causes problems
Finding a Cover-Up Specialist
Not All Tattoo Artists Do Cover-Ups Well
Why Cover-Ups Require Specialization:
According to Tattoodo’s cover-up guide, cover-up tattoos require specific skills:
Understanding Color Theory:
- Knowing which colors cover which colors
- How to layer colors for coverage
- Using dark values strategically
Composition Strategy:
- Designing larger pieces that incorporate original shape
- Strategic use of negative space
- Placing darkest elements over darkest parts of original
Technical Skill:
- Multiple passes to build coverage
- Patience (can’t rush cover-ups)
- Working around scar tissue if present
Creative Problem-Solving:
- Turning limitations into design features
- Seeing possibilities in problematic originals
Portfolio Research for Cover-Up Artists
What to Look For:
1. Before and After Photos:
- Artist should have documented cover-up transformations
- Look for originals similar in size/darkness to yours
- See how successfully original is hidden
2. Variety of Cover-Ups:
- Multiple examples (not just one or two)
- Range of original tattoos covered (shows versatility)
- Different cover-up styles (proves they can adapt)
3. Healed Cover-Up Examples:
- Fresh cover-ups may look perfect but age differently
- Healed photos show if original shows through after settling
- 6+ months healed ideally
4. Honesty About Visibility:
- Good cover-up artists don’t promise invisibility
- They show realistic results, including when originals slightly show
- Transparency about limitations
Questions to Ask During Consultation
About Feasibility:
- “Can this tattoo be covered with the design I want, or do I need to adjust?”
- “Will the original show through, and if so, how much?”
- “Do you recommend laser fading first?”
- “How much larger does the cover-up need to be?”
About Process:
- “How many sessions will this take?”
- “What’s your cover-up process? (single session vs. building in layers)”
- “Are there design elements we should avoid given the original?”
- “What colors will work best for coverage?”
About Results:
- “Can I see healed examples of cover-ups you’ve done?”
- “What should I realistically expect in terms of visibility of the original?”
- “Will I need touch-ups more frequently than a regular tattoo?”
Cover-Up Design Strategies
How Artists Approach Cover-Up Design
Strategy 1: Darkness Placement
Principle: Place darkest elements of new design over darkest parts of old tattoo.
Example:
- Covering dark tribal with animal portrait → place dark fur/feathers over tribal
- Covering old black tattoo with flowers → dark leaves/shadows over original
- Covering text with mandala → darkest mandala sections over text
Strategy 2: Size Increase
Principle: New design typically 2-3x larger than original to allow strategic coverage.
Why Size Matters:
- Original must fit within larger new design
- Allows placing dark coverage where needed
- Creates natural-looking composition (not just “blob over old tattoo”)
My Experience: My 2-inch tribal armband became 6-inch geometric mandala—the size increase was non-negotiable for good coverage.
Strategy 3: Color Layering
Color Theory for Cover-Ups: According to Inked Magazine’s cover-up color guide, certain color combinations work:
Colors That Cover Well:
- Black covers everything (obviously)
- Dark blue/purple covers most colors except black
- Dark green covers yellows, oranges, reds, light blues
- Dark red covers yellows, oranges, light reds
Colors That Don’t Cover:
- Yellow covers nothing (too light)
- White covers nothing
- Light pastels won’t cover dark tattoos
- Single layer of light color over dark = doesn’t work
Strategy 4: Incorporating Original Shape
Creative Approach: Use original tattoo’s shape as foundation for new design.
Examples:
- Old dragon becomes new dragon (better quality)
- Tribal bands become geometric bands or Celtic knotwork
- Portrait you hate becomes different portrait
- Text becomes decorative element or part of larger composition
This approach:
- May not completely hide original
- But creates intentional transformation rather than just “covering up”
- Often most artistically satisfying
Cover-Up Success Stories and Disasters
What Makes Cover-Ups Successful
Good Cover-Up Characteristics:
1. Realistic Expectations:
- Client accepts going larger/darker
- Understands original may slightly show
- Trusts artist’s design recommendations
2. Skilled Artist:
- Specializes in cover-ups
- Honest about limitations
- Creative problem-solving
3. Appropriate Design:
- Works with (not against) original tattoo
- Uses color theory strategically
- Sized appropriately
4. Patient Process:
- Waits for original to fully heal/settle
- Allows multiple sessions if needed
- Considers laser fading if beneficial
Common Cover-Up Mistakes
Mistake #1: Not Going Large Enough
- Trying to keep cover-up same size as original
- Results in obvious “patch” over old tattoo
- Original shows through immediately
Mistake #2: Wrong Color Choices
- Attempting to cover dark with light
- Not understanding color theory
- Results in muddy appearance
Mistake #3: Choosing Wrong Artist
- Using general tattoo artist, not cover-up specialist
- Ignoring warning signs in portfolio
- Going cheap instead of investing in quality
Mistake #4: Rushing the Process
- Covering before original is healed
- Not considering laser fading when beneficial
- Making impulsive design decisions
Cover-Up Alternatives
When Cover-Up Isn’t the Best Option
Consider These Alternatives:
Blast-Over:
- Intentionally tattooing over original with bold design that acknowledges what’s underneath
- Not trying to hide it, but creating new art on top
- Often involves heavy blackwork
- Honest about transformation rather than concealment
Incorporation:
- Enhancing original tattoo rather than covering
- Adding elements that improve composition
- Reworking what’s there into something better
- May be less expensive than full cover-up
Laser Removal (Full):
- If you truly want that space clear
- More expensive and time-consuming
- But provides blank canvas
- Best if you don’t want new tattoo there
Acceptance:
- Sometimes the healthiest option
- Learning to make peace with tattoo regret
- Understanding it’s part of your history
- Saving money/time/energy for new positive tattoos elsewhere
My Advice for Anyone Considering Cover-Ups
Based on Personal Experience
1. Research Cover-Up Specialists, Not Just General Artists
- Look specifically for cover-up portfolio
- Don’t assume every good tattoo artist is good at cover-ups
- Travel if necessary for specialist
2. Be Honest About Your Budget and Timeline
- Cover-ups often cost more than regular tattoos (more time, more ink, specialized skill)
- Factor in potential laser fading costs
- Don’t cheap out—bad cover-up leaves you with two regrets instead of one
3. Listen to Artist’s Recommendations
- If they say it needs to be larger, trust them
- If they recommend laser fading first, consider it seriously
- If they suggest different design than you wanted, hear them out
- Their experience with cover-ups exceeds yours
4. Adjust Your Expectations
- Perfect invisibility is rarely achievable
- Good coverage that looks intentional is realistic goal
- Up-close visibility of original is often acceptable compromise
- Focus on overall improvement, not perfection
5. Consider Laser Fading
- Even partial fading (2-4 sessions) dramatically improves cover-up options
- 3-4 months delay may be worth design flexibility
- Calculate cost-benefit: $500-800 laser vs. living with limited design forever
6. Don’t Rush Design Decisions
- You made impulsive decision once (that’s why you need cover-up)
- Don’t repeat mistake
- Take time to choose design you’ll love for decades
- Better to wait 3-6 months planning than regret cover-up in 3 years
Cost Expectations
What Cover-Ups Typically Cost
Pricing Factors:
- Larger size: Cover-ups are bigger, take longer
- Specialized skill: Cover-up specialists often charge premium rates
- Multiple sessions: Complex cover-ups may need 2-3 sessions
- Laser fading (if included): Additional $300-1000
Typical Ranges:
- Small cover-up (2-4 inches): $300-800
- Medium cover-up (4-7 inches): $800-2000
- Large cover-up (8+ inches, sleeve area): $2000-5000+
- With laser fading: Add $300-1000 to above costs
My Cover-Up Cost: $650 for ~6-inch geometric mandala cover-up (single 5-hour session). Worth every penny.
Emotional Aspects of Cover-Ups
Dealing with Tattoo Regret
Common Feelings:
- Shame about original choice
- Anxiety about cover-up process
- Fear of making wrong decision again
- Relief when transformation happens
- Grief for time/money spent on original
My Experience: I felt stupid about my tribal armband for years before finally covering it. The consultation process brought up emotions—admitting I’d made a bad choice, explaining why I regretted it. But the relief after covering it was immense. I could finally look at my arm without cringing.
Advice:
- Be kind to yourself—almost everyone has tattoo decisions they regret
- Past you did the best with information they had at the time
- Cover-up is self-care, not failure
- You’re not alone in this
What about covering up relationship/ex-partner tattoos? Should I get their name removed before even meeting someone new, or wait?
That’s very personal. Some people feel liberated removing it immediately. Others wait until new relationship is serious. My take: if it bothers you, cover it for you, not for hypothetical future partners. Quality people won’t judge you for past relationships—they’ll respect that you’re addressing it.
Final Thoughts
Cover-up tattoos are acts of transformation and self-compassion. They say: “I made a choice I regret, and I’m taking action to make it better.”
Key Takeaways:
- Find a cover-up specialist, not just any tattoo artist
- Be realistic about size, darkness, and slight visibility of original
- Consider laser fading for better options
- Don’t rush design decisions
- Trust the process and your specialist’s expertise
My cover-up gave me back ownership of my body art. Instead of cringing at a regret, I now have a piece I genuinely like. That’s worth the investment.
Do you have a cover-up tattoo, or are you considering one? What’s holding you back or what was your experience? Share in the comments!
Resources
Cover-Up Information:
Finding Cover-Up Artists:
- Search “cover-up tattoo specialist [your city]”
- Instagram hashtags: #coveruptattoo #tattoocover up #tattoocoverup
- Look for artists with documented before/after portfolios
Laser Removal Information:
- Consult dermatologist or laser removal specialist
- Expect 6-12 sessions for full removal
- 2-4 sessions may suffice for fading before cover-up
- Cost: $100-500 per session typically
InkedWith is written by tattoo collectors who’ve experienced both regret and redemption. We share honest experiences to help you navigate cover-ups with realistic expectations and confidence.