Almost every week somebody shows me a tattoo they regret. A name that didn't work out, a rushed piece from back in the day, or ink that just blew out over the years. The good news is you're not stuck with it. Cover-ups are some of my favorite work, and the right colors make all the difference.
Here are the questions I get asked the most.
Can any tattoo be covered up?
Most of them, yes. What matters is how dark the old tattoo is, how big it is, and where it sits on your body. Light or faded tattoos are the easiest. Very dark, solid black work is harder, but it's not impossible. It just takes more planning.
Does the new tattoo have to be bigger?
Usually, yes. To hide the old piece completely, the new design often needs to be about two to three times the size of the old one. That gives me room to build darker areas and detail right where the old lines are.
Do I need laser first?
Not always. If your old tattoo is very dark or very new, a few laser sessions to lighten it can open up a lot more design options. I'll look at it in person and tell you honestly if that would help, or if we can go straight to the cover-up.
Why I do cover-ups in color
Regular black & gray is made with thinned-down ink, so it’s a little see-through. Over an old tattoo, the old lines can ghost through as it heals. Color and opaque grays are solid. They sit on top and actually hide what’s underneath. That’s why I do my cover-ups in color, or in opaque grays if you want that black & gray look. Designs with natural dark areas and lots of texture, like animals, flowers, clocks and skulls, work great because they give the old tattoo somewhere to disappear.
Can I pick any design I want?
You'll have a say in all of it, but the old tattoo shapes what will work. Bring me your ideas and a couple of reference photos. I'll sketch options that hide the old piece and still feel like you. Sometimes we can even keep a part of the old tattoo and build around it.
How many sessions does it take?
It depends on the size. A small cover-up can be done in one sitting. Bigger pieces, like a full forearm, usually take two or more sessions so the skin can heal in between.
Does a cover-up hurt more?
Not really. It feels about the same as any tattoo in that spot. Cover-ups can take a little longer because of the extra shading.
How do I get started?
Send me a clear photo of the tattoo you want covered and your idea. You can text me at (201) 677-2849, email tattoohombre@gmail.com, or get a quick price estimate with my tattoo calculator. I'm at Rock N Willy's Tattoo in Stroudsburg, PA, and I'm always happy to talk it through.
Don't let an old tattoo hold you back. Let's turn it into something you're proud to show off.
— Manny
