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.
Cover ups are definitely going to be more expensive than a typical tattoo. Most of mine have been palm sized or smaller and range from $150-250, but typically take around 45 minutes.
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previous tattoos, especially if they feel that the new design will improve the overall look or if the original tattoo no longer represents what the client wants.
The cover up design has limitations, requiring needs met to adequately replace the original tattoo, compromising design for functionality and can take a lot more "coats" to achieve full coverage and success. Even then they almost always show through the new tattoo over time.
Laser tattoo removal is a lot more expensive than a cover-up tattoo. However, if you can't find a cover-up tattoo design you love, laser tattoo removal is the best choice.
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.
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!)
$50 tattoos are approximately one inch by one inch in black ink on arms or legs. Other areas of the body start at only $70. Actual size may differ from listing on this page depending on your browser settings. Please consult your artist for actual sizing.
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.
We often find that in doing coverup tattoos one to three sessions may be needed to complete the initial design and for touchups. It's possible that once the ink has settled, the old design may be somewhat visible and with another pass, the problem can be remedied.
If you can't afford the tattoo you want, talk to your artist beforehand in private & ask if he can do the work staying within your budget or see if there's a way to work out a payment plan (multiple session/pay-as-you-go) or wait and save up.
For example, a small wrist tattoo might cost about $100. Therefore, the average tip would be about $20.
Tipping may not be mandatory, but it's a way to show that you appreciate all of the hard work and effort—physical and monetary—that your artist put into your new tattoo. Remember: A tip isn't about you; it's about the artist.
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.
A: You should wait until the tattoo has completely healed.
The surface of your tattoo usually heals in 2-3 weeks, but it might take up to 2 months for the tattoo to heal completely.
If you go to a new artist for a touch-up, expect to pay the typical hourly rate or a set fee for the work if it's a small job," adds Forte.