Have you ever looked at an old tattoo and wished you could simply erase it and start over? While we don’t have a magic wand, we do have the next best thing: expertly crafted Cover Up Tattoo Artist.
At Tattoora, we’ve helped countless clients fall back in love with their ink – and their skin – through thoughtful, artistic cover ups. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process and share a story that shows just how transformative a great cover up can be.
Cover Up Tattoo Success Story: Jack from Scotland
Jack came to us with a tattoo horror story. He had started a torso piece with uneven shading, shaky lines, and blowout spots caused by an inexperienced artist. Thankfully, he stopped the session halfway through – but that left him with an unfinished, awkward tattoo covering his right side.
After visiting multiple studios with no luck, Jack finally found hope after seeing an incredible tattoo by our artist Maya on his sister. He booked in and flew all the way to Sydney to visit our Darlinghurst studio.
Inspired by the dragon mural on our studio wall, Jack chose a custom dragon tattoo – and Maya brought it to life with a design that completely reimagined his ink.
Here’s Jack’s transformation:
P.S. We’ve had more than a few customers ask for Jack’s number… sorry, our lips are sealed! 😜
Now let’s walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Cover Up Tattoo Artist.
Why Get a Cover Up Tattoo?
There are plenty of good reasons to consider a cover up tattoo:
- You’ve outgrown your old design
- Your original tattoo was poorly done
- The colour has faded or blurred over time
- You want a new look that better reflects your style
- You need to conceal it for professional or personal reasons
- You want to cover a scar with something beautiful
Whatever your reason, our artists at Tattoora are here to help you reimagine your ink with something you’ll be proud of.
The Cover Up Process
- Consultation: We assess your current tattoo and chat about the vision for your new piece.
- Design: Your artist creates a customised design that either conceals or works with the existing tattoo.
- Execution: The tattoo is applied, often over multiple sessions, depending on size and complexity.
Important Things to Consider
- Size: Cover ups generally need to be larger than the original tattoo to provide full coverage.
- Colour: Darker colours work best for masking old ink, but skilled shading can create depth and nuance.
- Be Open: Trust your artist’s experience – they’ll know how to get the best result with your existing tattoo.
- Patience Pays Off: Some cover ups take more than one session to look just right. It’s worth it.
What Do You Want From Your New Tattoo?
- Full Coverage or Incorporation: Do you want to completely hide your old tattoo or weave it into a new design?
- Style & Aesthetic: Realism, abstract, floral, tribal – what speaks to you?
- Symbolism: Want something meaningful? Think about how we can embed that into your new piece.
Design Inspiration for Your Cover Up
Overlapping Designs
- Floral patterns – vines, roses, and leaves work beautifully over older lines
- Mandalas and geometric shapes for layered texture and visual interest
Incorporated Designs
- Abstract art that blends into your existing tattoo
- Symbols or imagery that give new meaning to old ink
- Text elements – meaningful quotes or names
Complete Transformations
- Portraits – from loved ones to pets or characters
- Nature scenes – oceans, forests, mountains
- Tribal work – bold lines and strong symmetry
Use of Colour and Contrast
- High contrast designs can draw attention away from what’s underneath
- Smart colour choices can soften or balance what’s already there
Personal Meaning
- Commemorate a memory, milestone, or meaningful symbol
- Give new life and meaning to old ink
Aftercare is Everything
After your cover up is done, it’s essential to care for it properly:
- Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions
- Protect it from direct sun exposure
- Touch-ups may be needed to keep it looking fresh over time
Choosing a cover up tattoo is a powerful and personal decision. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to transform your old ink into something new, book a consultation with us today or call us on (02) 8021 1322.
We can’t wait to help you create something amazing.
Want to learn more about tattoo safety standards in NSW? Visit the NSW Health Tattooing Guidelines for official government information.
