How do you ask a tattoo artist for a cover up?

Author: Ms. Tierra Grimes  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Don't be afraid to ask them about a cover-up, as long as you're courteous and professional. Tell them why you've outgrown the image or don't want it on your body anymore. Make sure you state that you appreciate the quality of their work and that's why you want them to perform the cover-up tattoo.

How do I ask for a tattoo cover up?

Come in with a couple of ideas and ask your artist for their ideas to coverup the old tattoo. Artists may suggest laser tattoo removal in order to lighten the whole piece or parts of the design. Tattoos are permanent and covering them up can be difficult, so it's important to stay flexible.

Will a tattoo artist do cover ups?

Yes, you can ask a tattoo artist to cover up their own work. Many tattoo artists are open to the idea of covering up their previous tattoos, especially if they feel that the new design will improve the overall look or if the original tattoo no longer represents what the client wants.

How do you get a tattoo covered up?

Take a heavy coverage liquid or cream concealer that's several shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Alternatively, use a color-correcting concealer. Use a makeup sponge or stippling brush to apply the concealer to the tattoo. Try to dab or blot the concealer onto the skin instead of rubbing it.

How much do tattoo cover ups cost?

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.

Ask a Tattoo Artist: Advice on Getting a Cover Up Tattoo

How to choose a cover-up tattoo?

Below are recommendations for how to choose a cover up tattoo.
  1. Keep the Design Close to the Old Ink. ...
  2. Consider Building on the Current Design. ...
  3. Be Prepared for a Bigger Size. ...
  4. Cover Up Tattoos May Mean More Maintenance. ...
  5. Research Experienced Cover Up Tattoo Artists. ...
  6. Consider Laser Tattoo Removal. ...
  7. Be Realistic.

What is it called when you cover-up a tattoo?

A coverup tattoo is a tattoo enhancement technique of putting new ink on top of an old tattoo to divert the eye from the old tattoo with a new focal point. The focus is usually on the color of an old tattoo and how to incorporate it into the new ink.

How painful is a tattoo cover-up?

The pain level during a cover up tattoo session can be similar to that of getting a new tattoo. However, individual pain tolerance varies, and some people may find the process of covering up an existing tattoo slightly more uncomfortable due to the additional layers of ink and the possible presence of scar tissue.

Can still see old tattoos under cover-up?

The new colors must also be darker to overshadow the old ink. In the case of covering a black tattoo, even a layer of new black on top of the old can often fail to totally hide the old art. A careful look — or sometimes even a casual glance — can usually pick out the old tattoo once the new one has fully healed.

What not to ask a tattoo artist?

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist
  • “Can't you give me a discount?”
  • “Can I bring my friends in?”
  • “Can't you just make it work?”
  • “Can you please copy this tattoo?”
  • “Can you do this while I'm drunk?”

What are the disadvantages of a cover-up tattoo?

Cons:
  • They are usually more expensive than a new tattoo.
  • The cover-up might not look as good as a new tattoo.
  • Finding an artist who can do a good job can be challenging.

Are tattoo top ups free?

Your Artist Recommends It

They'll also be able to tell you when the best time to come in is, whether it's a week or two after the final work or a couple of months later. Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)

How do I ask for a cover-up?

Don't be afraid to ask them about a cover-up, as long as you're courteous and professional. Tell them why you've outgrown the image or don't want it on your body anymore. Make sure you state that you appreciate the quality of their work and that's why you want them to perform the cover-up tattoo.

How long do I have to wait to get a tattoo cover-up?

Generally a month month. You should wait until it's completely healed or the cover up will a) hurt exponentially worse and b) not heal correctly and allow the ink to be accepted in the skin correctly.. it's also not a good idea to do it before it's completely healed because the original tattoo may look slightly.

Can I ask my tattoo artist for ideas?

It's always a good idea to ask if there's a charge for consultations before you book. Consultations are an excellent opportunity to discuss your design ideas, meet the Tattoo Artist, and get a feel for the Tattoo Studio environment.

Are tattoo cover-ups more expensive?

There's one thing you can bet on, though. "Cover-up tattoos are more expensive than non-cover-ups, due to the complicated nature of the entire process," Paulino says. "Most artists might charge hourly or, depending on the tattoo, a flat rate."

What is the most painful tattoo spot?

Here are the most painful places on the body to get a tattoo.
  • Head. The head, including the scalp and face, is a highly sensitive area due to the high density of nerve endings. ...
  • Rib Cage and Chest. ...
  • Stomach. ...
  • Nipples and Breasts. ...
  • Face and Ears. ...
  • Hands, Fingers, Feet, and Toes. ...
  • Neck and Spine. ...
  • Groins and Genital Area.

How easy is it to get a tattoo covered up?

Any tattoo can be covered up, although it may need to be faded with laser tattoo removal first (usually only 2-3 sessions required). Even if you have a large, solid black tattoo, a good cover-up tattoo artist will work with you to create a strategy for covering it with a new design you can get excited about.

What kind of tattoo is best for cover-up?

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.

How do tattoo artists do cover ups?

In essence, a cover-up tattoo involves crafting a new design over your existing, unwanted ink, leveraging elements of the original to create something entirely fresh.

What do you say when requesting a tattoo appointment?

I'd love to be tattooed by you if you have an available appointment.” “Hello James! I'm Pablo and I was hoping to get some more information about a potential tattoo design. I really like your style and was hoping we could work something out for a piece that I've been wanting.”

How much should I tip for a $500 tattoo?

“Some tip less, and some are very generous." For instance, you might wonder how much to tip for a $500 tattoo. In this case, tipping anywhere from $75 to $125 would be appropriate. If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill.

Is $1000 normal for a tattoo?

Large tattoos, such as full sleeves, back pieces, or expansive designs that cover multiple body parts, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, or more. The price will depend on the design's detail, the artist's rates, and the number of sessions required to complete the tattoo.

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