Cover-Up Tattoos
An honest assessment first — size, darkness, placement, and condition decide what’s possible. Then Tiago, Terrero, or Tiko designs a piece that makes the old ink part of something new.
What It Is
A cover-up is one of the most satisfying things we do — taking a tattoo you've fallen out of love with and transforming it into something you're proud to wear. Cover-ups are also one of the most technically demanding disciplines in tattooing. They require an artist who understands how to work over existing ink, how to use composition and contrast to redirect the eye, and how to be honest about what's achievable. Every cover-up starts with an assessment of your existing piece. Feasibility depends on its size, darkness, placement, and condition — and on the new design you want. Some tattoos call for a larger or darker design than you might first imagine, and not every idea can cover every tattoo. That’s exactly why a consultation comes first: so you know what’s genuinely possible before you commit.
Who It's For
Cover-ups are for anyone with an existing tattoo they want to rework or hide — an old piece, a faded design, a name you'd rather not see, or work that didn't turn out the way you hoped. If you've been covering up with clothing or avoiding looking at a tattoo, a cover-up consultation is the first step.
Our Approach
Every cover-up starts with an assessment. We look at the existing tattoo — its size, color, density, and placement — and tell you honestly what a cover-up can achieve. Some pieces can be fully hidden; others are best reworked into a larger design that incorporates the old ink. We design cover-ups with contrast, composition, and color theory that redirect the eye away from the old piece and toward the new one. The result should look intentional, not like you're hiding something.
Artists Who Specialize in Cover-Ups
Cover-Ups — Frequently Asked Questions
Can any tattoo be covered up?
Most can, but it depends on the size, density, color, placement, and condition of the existing tattoo — and on the design you want over it. Some very dark or dense pieces have more design options after professional lightening; if that’s relevant to your piece, it’s a conversation for your consultation. We’ll assess your tattoo and tell you exactly what’s possible.
Does a cover-up have to be bigger and darker?
Cover-ups are usually larger than the original to allow the new design to redirect the eye, but they don't have to be a dark blob. Skilled composition and contrast can create a cover-up that looks like a piece you chose on purpose.
Do I need laser before a cover-up?
Not always — many cover-ups work without it. Whether lightening would genuinely help your specific piece is something we’ll discuss honestly at your consultation, not something we prescribe from a web page.
What happens at a cover-up assessment?
You show us the existing tattoo — in person or with clear photos in your request — and we tell you honestly what a cover-up can achieve before you commit to anything. We'll explain any consultation details up front when you reach out.