Your ex's name. That tribal band from your teenage years. Or just a tattoo that, after all these years, no longer looks the way you hoped. Sound familiar? You're definitely not alone. The good news: at Piercings Works we do cover-ups. A cover-up is a new tattoo that cleverly covers your old one, so you can enjoy looking at it again. In this post you'll learn how it works and what to expect.
What is a cover-up?
With a cover-up, the artist places a new design over your existing tattoo. The goal: to make the old tattoo disappear into the new design as much as possible. That's different from tattoo removal. With a cover-up the old ink stays in your skin, but it gets lost in something new.
A cover-up is real craftsmanship. The artist doesn't just need to create a beautiful design, but also has to work cleverly with the lines, solid areas and colours that are already there. That's why every cover-up at our studio starts with a proper conversation.
Why a cover-up needs to be bigger
One of the first things you'll hear about a cover-up: the new design will be bigger than your old tattoo. That's not a trick, it's just logic. Ink isn't like paint on a wall: you can't simply "paint over" a dark tattoo with a lighter colour. To make the old tattoo disappear, the artist needs space, plus dark or busy areas in the new design to hide the old lines in.
How much bigger depends on your old tattoo: how big it is, how dark, and how thick the lines are. Either way, expect a cover-up to be quite a bit bigger than the original.
Which old tattoos are easy to cover
Not every tattoo is equally easy to cover. In general:
- Easier: light or faded tattoos, thin lines, small designs and tattoos with plenty of empty skin around them.
- Harder: very dark or large black areas, thick lines and tattoos in places with little room around them, such as fingers or the wrist.
Has your old tattoo stretched or faded over the years, for example because of changes in your weight? Read how weight loss and weight gain influence your tattoos to see what that can do to a tattoo.
Is your old tattoo very dark? Then it can sometimes be wise to have it lightened first by a tattoo removal specialist, so there are more options for a cover-up afterwards. Whether that's needed for your tattoo is something you'll discuss with your artist. We're always honest about it: better a realistic plan than a design that disappoints a few months later.
Colour and design choices
With a cover-up you can't choose completely freely, but that's exactly what makes it a creative challenge. A few things that matter:
- Dark covers light. Dark colours and black cover best. Very light colours, like pastels or white, usually aren't suitable for hiding an old tattoo.
- Busy designs help. Designs with lots of texture, shading and detail, like flowers, leaves or animals, are often ideal for hiding old lines.
- Minimalist is harder. A very open, minimalist design with lots of bare skin usually isn't a good cover-up.
No idea what you want? No worries, your artist will think along with you.
The first conversation: photos and expectations
A cover-up at our studio always starts with a conversation. The artist looks at your old tattoo and you discuss what's possible together. Here's how to prepare:
- Show your tattoo. In person is best: the artist wants to see how dark the ink is, how the lines run and what your skin is like.
- Bring inspiration. Photos or examples of styles you like help enormously.
- Be open about your wishes. What really needs to go, and what do you mind less if it still shows through a little?
- Be realistic. A cover-up is often a bigger project than a regular tattoo, sometimes over several sessions.
Because a cover-up is custom work, you always get a personal quote. Read how it's put together in how the price of a tattoo is determined. You can simply walk into our walk-in studio at Reguliersbreestraat 46, right by Rembrandtplein. Or book a tattoo appointment in advance, so there's plenty of time for your consultation.
A fresh start for your skin
Piercings Works was founded in 1998 and has been on Reguliersbreestraat since 2004. Our studio holds a GGD licence and our team speaks six languages, so you can tell your story in your own language too. Because let's be honest: there's a story behind almost every cover-up. We'd love to help you turn it into a beautiful new chapter. And if you want to read how people with tattoos look at life, check out 10 life lessons people with tattoos can teach you.
Discuss your cover-up with Ivor
Ivor Keserovic has worked at Piercings Works from the start and also passes his knowledge on to young tattoo artists. Send him a photo of your old tattoo on WhatsApp: +31 6 8187 6076, and he will tell you what is possible.
Book your cover-up tattoo appointment here or visit our studio at Reguli