Don't do a cover up if you'd 'like to be tattoo free ideally'. Cover ups tend to be at least twice the size of the original and if you don't enjoy being tattooed you will still end up dissatisfied. Do full removal and even if it takes 4-5 years, you will be happier with the end result.
Laser tattoo removal is the most effective way to remove a tattoo, as the energy pulses from the laser completely break down the ink pigments. On the other hand, if you don't want to spend the money and time it takes to get laser tattoo removal, tattoo cover-ups are a great option.
Cover-ups are not suitable for all tattoos. Extremely dark or large tattoos might not be completely coverable, and in such cases, tattoo artists might recommend tattoo removal or lightening through laser treatments before proceeding with a cover-up.
Awesome cover up... It will eventually fade like any tattoo. You could get the white ink touched up every few years to keep it clean.
Cover up tattoos may feel slightly more painful than a regular tattoo, as the tattoo artist needs to go over the same area where your skin has already been inked. However, pain levels vary from person to person, and your experience will depend on factors such as your pain tolerance and the location of the 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.
Potential Side Effects of Tattooing Over Scars
It's never a good idea to get tattooed when your skin is irritated, sunburnt, or your immune system is low. There's also the possibility that a newer scar could reopen, causing the tattoo session to end and requiring medical attention.
Generally speaking, a tattoo typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks to heal on the surface, but the deeper layers of skin can take up to 6 months to fully recover.
Luckily, laser tattoo removal can fade existing ink particles safely and effectively. Laser tattoo removal is not only for complete removal, although we're great at that too. Laser tattoo removal also aids many tattoo artists and enthusiasts who are looking to get a better result out of their tattoo cover-up.
You Want to Transform the Old Tattoo: Cover-ups allow you to change the meaning, style, and appearance of the old tattoo without having to remove it completely. You're Looking for a Quick Fix: If you don't have the time or budget for multiple removal sessions, a cover-up can provide a faster solution.
Remove your bandage after 3-12 hours, and clean it with mild soap and warm water as in Method 1. After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then allow it to air dry for 15 minutes.
Risks. Scarring is likely after most types of tattoo removal. Infection or skin discoloration is possible as well.
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.
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.
If the old tattoo has thicker lines, heavy shading, or scar tissue, the cover-up process may feel more intense, especially in areas where the artist needs to pack in more ink. Another factor that affects pain levels is how much ink is required.
Excessive Sun Exposure. Excessive sun exposure can quickly ruin a new tattoo. Especially during the first 40 days, stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you have to go outside, then make sure to cover up your fresh tattoo with clothing.
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.
Depending on what type of tattoo removal you choose, there may be varying levels of pain or discomfort. Some people say that removal feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Your skin may be sore after the procedure.
While artists can use many colors, the ink that works best for a tattoo cover-up is often black. We advise that you work with your tattoo artist to discuss your color goals and what's possible, given the colors and designs of your original tattoo.
Blackwork tattoos and Black & Grey tattoo styles have a high guarantee of aging gracefully. Certain tattoo styles that use black and/or grey ink, such as Tribal tattoos, Greyscale tattoos, and American Traditional tattoos (as well as bold lettering or Zodiac tattoos) are known to age well.