Some artists attempt to overpower the old ink with multiple layers packed with light ink, but even this technique will usually fade over time and allow the old art to be visible.
Leaving the bandage on for too long can result in infection, so always change your bandage within the stated timeframe. Most tattoos can be properly healed with 2 applications of the bandage, with each application being left on the skin for 1-2 days, for a 3 or 4 day total.
Yes, it is possible to see an old tattoo under a cover-up, depending on several factors: Ink Color and Density: Darker inks, especially black, are harder to cover than lighter colors.
Over the years, as skin ages and loses elasticity, older tattoos may blur or lose their initial clarity. In these cases, tattoo touch-up can be a valuable procedure to help rejuvenate the design, sharpen blurry lines, and reinvigorate dull colors.
Mike warns that cover-up tattoos can be harder to heal since the skin below has already been damaged. You need to make sure you are working with an artist that understands the skin and knows what they are doing.
What results is that most cover-ups look great on day one, but over time, the ink settles in such a way that the old tattoo will show through. Traditional cover-ups must also take into account that whichever ink is darker will be the one that is visible.
Touch-ups are fairly common, and needing or wanting a touch-up isn't a bad thing at all. Even experienced artists do touch-ups on their work. Once a tattoo is fully healed, everyone can see what it looks like much better, and it's easier to tell if it needs a little extra oomph.
Aftercare & Aging
Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.
Pigments like shades of red, yellow and orange often fail to fully conceal preexisting ink, especially if it the shades beneath are too dark. Think of tattoo ink like watercolor: you can't cover a dark red with blue, but you can make purple.
Most tattoo artists charge by the hour, and you can expect to spend around $50-$300 per hour, depending on their skill and experience levels. If the coverup tattoo is particularly challenging — like concentrated black ink in a large area — you can expect to pay a bit more than someone with a small outline tattoo.
Generally, you have one shot at a cover-up tattoo. A third time over is generally not possible given the damage and ink already in that skin; laser tattoo removal is usually the path should you want to remove a cover-up.
It's important to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before considering a cover up. Covering up a tattoo that is still healing can increase the risk of infection and other complications. Generally, you should wait at least 2-3 months after getting a tattoo before considering a cover up.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.
If you've recently gotten a tattoo, but it appears blurry and smudged during and after the healing process, you may be experiencing tattoo blowout. "A blowout is when a tattoo expands below the skin layer when it hits fat [and] veins or when scarring occurs," says Crys.
Tattoo ink does spread naturally as the skin ages, but the rate depends on several factors. Natural Ink Spread: Over years, pigment particles move slightly, softening lines and blurring details. Thicker skin (back, thighs) spreads less, while thinner skin (wrists, fingers) spreads more.
In general, touch-ups are less expensive than getting a completely new tattoo. This is because touch-ups typically require less time and ink compared to the initial tattooing process. It is important to keep in mind that touch-ups may need to be done more frequently than getting a new tattoo.
When it comes to tattoo touch-up appointments, the general rule of thumb is yes, you should tip for the extra work required. Showing appreciation for the additional effort illustrates your understanding of the artist's commitment to ensuring your tattoo looks its best.
It is difficult to cover up a black tattoo with any color other than black. Other dark tones like navy or brown might work, but lighter colors won't be effective in covering up an original black tattoo.
The best subject matter for cover ups tend to be things with lots of texture and heavy lighting effects to create heavy shadows, such as underwater scenes, flowers, organic images, Japanese imagery, skulls, organic style bio mech.