5 Things to Know Before a Cover-Up Tattoo
Quick answer
A cover-up tattoo usually needs to be bigger and darker than the tattoo it hides, so go in open on size and style. Bring clear photos of the old tattoo in good light, choose an artist whose portfolio shows healed cover-ups with before-and-after photos, and ask whether laser lightening first would help with a very dark piece. Larger cover-ups can take more than one session, and each session heals like a new tattoo.
Got a tattoo you'd rather not have? A cover-up can turn it into something you love. It just works differently than a tattoo on clear skin.
Here are five things to know before you book, from the chair.
1. Go in open on size
Why it matters: old ink doesn't disappear under new ink. To hide it, the new design usually needs to be larger than the old one, with bolder lines or darker colors in the right places.
Do this: go in flexible on size, style and color. Let your artist tell you what will actually cover it, then pick the design from there.
2. Bring clear photos
Why it matters: planning a cover-up starts with knowing exactly what's there, including how dark the old lines are and how much they've spread.
Do this: take photos in good, even light, one close up and one from a step back so your artist can see the size and placement. Expect them to want to see it in person too.
3. Pick a cover-up artist
Why it matters: covering old work is its own skill. Not every great artist loves doing cover-ups.
Do this: look for an artist whose portfolio shows cover-ups, ideally healed, with before-and-after photos. See 5 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Tattoo.
4. Ask about lightening
Why it matters: a very dark or heavy old tattoo limits what can go over it. In some cases, artists suggest a few laser sessions to lighten it first, which can open up more design options.
Do this: ask your artist whether lightening would help. If you go that route, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist. Laser takes more than one treatment, and the tattoo should lighten after each one1.
5. Plan for more than one session
Why it matters: larger cover-ups can take a few sessions, with healing time in between. Each session heals like a new tattoo2.
Do this: plan the calendar ahead, and give every session full aftercare: keep it clean and covered early, don't pick it, and keep it out of the sun. See 5 Ways to Heal a Fresh Tattoo, Ranked.
Cover-up checklist
| Thing to know | Why it matters | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Go in open on size | Old ink shows through | Stay flexible on size and color |
| Bring clear photos | Planning starts here | Good light, close up and a step back |
| Pick a cover-up artist | It's a specialty | Look for healed before-and-afters |
| Ask about lightening | More design options | Ask your artist; see a board-certified dermatologist for laser |
| Plan for more than one session | Healing between sessions | Plan the calendar, full aftercare each time |
A cover-up is a fresh start
Go in open on size, bring clear photos, pick an artist who does cover-ups, ask about lightening and plan for more than one session. Once it's healed, keep it sharp with 5 Ways to Keep a Healed Tattoo Looking New.
FAQ
Does a cover-up tattoo have to be bigger?
Usually, yes. To hide old ink, the new design typically needs to be larger than the old one, with bolder lines or darker colors in the right places. Your artist can tell you what will work.
Can any tattoo be covered up?
Many can, but very dark or heavy tattoos limit the options. Some artists suggest laser sessions to lighten the old tattoo first. Ask a cover-up artist to look at it.
Should I get laser before a cover-up?
Sometimes. For a very dark old tattoo, a few laser sessions to lighten it can open up more design options. Ask your artist, and see a board-certified dermatologist for the laser treatment.
How many sessions does a cover-up take?
It depends on the size and the old tattoo. Larger cover-ups can take a few sessions, with healing time in between.
Is aftercare different for a cover-up?
No. Each session heals like a new tattoo. Keep it clean and covered early, don't pick it, and keep it out of the sun.