How many times can a tattoo be covered up?

Author: Jayce Hermann  |  Last update: Monday, October 20, 2025

Factors to Consider Before a Tattoo Cover-Up 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.

How many times can a tattoo be covered?

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.

How many times can a tattoo be redone?

Intervals for Touch-Ups: - Initial Touch-Up: Usually done about 4-6 weeks after the tattoo is first done, once the skin has fully healed. - Subsequent Touch-Ups: If needed, you can typically schedule additional touch-ups every 6-12 months, depending on how well the tattoo holds up over time.

How long do you have to wait between tattoo covers?

I would recommend that you wait at least 6-8 weeks before you consider doing any cover up tattoo. This is how long it takes to clear the pigment from the previous tattoo. Good luck.

Is it OK to keep a new tattoo covered?

During healing do NOT: Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there.) Submerge the tattoo in water.

Tattoo Cover Ups - What you need to know before getting it done

How to know if a tattoo can be covered up?

Lighter, faded tattoos are generally easier to cover than darker ones. The cover up artist will need to consider the existing colors and determine if they will be visible through the new tattoo. Furthermore, having multiple colors in the original piece can make covering it more challenging.

How to know if a tattoo needs a touch-up?

When is it Time for a Tattoo Touch-Up?
  1. Small imperfections appear during the initial healing stage.
  2. Your tattoo looks watered down or washed out.
  3. Your tattoo has faded.
  4. Your tattoo has some patches of color variations or small gaps are visible in the design.
  5. The lines are not as clean or sharp as they were.

How long should you wait before going over a tattoo again?

Experts advise waiting at least two to four weeks after getting one tattoo before getting another. "This allows the skin to fully heal, and then you can evaluate how your body reacted to the ink," Rabach explains.

How much is a full day tattoo?

Hourly rate: £80-£120 per hour depending on the tattoo artist. Day Session: £500-£750 depending on the tattoo artist.

How often can you touch up a tattoo?

After your first touch-up (typically a year after you've been inked), check out your tattoos every once in a while for imperfections, fading, and bleeding—and if you're looking to make it pop again, you're more than welcome to go in for another round of touch-ups.

How many times can you do a cover-up?

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.

Should I cover my tattoo when I sleep?

Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

Are tattoo cover ups more painful?

The artist needs to ink over a wounded tissue while doing a cover-up tattoo. There is a chance that it will hurt a bit more than your first tattoo. Although it depends from person to person. There are people who feel no difference in the pain between the first tattoo and the coverup tattoo.

Do tattoos look smudged while healing?

While a new tattoo can push out ink, along with blood and plasma, it typically does no harm and doesn't lead to a tattoo blowout. This leaking typically lasts no more than 48 hours. However, bruising from a new tattoo can make it look a little blurred or smudged as it goes through the healing process.

What areas are prone to tattoo blowouts?

Delicate Skin Areas

Certain areas of the body, like wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes, are more prone to blowouts due to their thin skin.

How to fix a tattoo that is too dark?

Overall, the best way to lighten a tattoo is by using a white base layer and applying a lighter color layer. However, you may also do it by applying darker colors and a white layer.

Should I tip my tattoo artist for a free touch up?

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.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

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.

When should you stop covering a tattoo?

After you leave the studio you will have been cleaned and bandaged; remove the bandage after 3-4 hours. Don't remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water.

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.

How do you know if you went too deep on a tattoo?

If the needle is going too deep into the skin, it can cause more trauma and damage to the skin than necessary, which can lead to more pain and bleeding. Another sign that a tattoo is too deep is excessive scabbing and peeling during the healing process.

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