In cover-up tattoos, the previous tattoo has made the skin more sensitive and more passes of the needle are required, damaging the skin more than a first tattoo does. This means the artist needs to be especially careful to work at the correct depth and with the right amount of color in the needle.
Successful cover ups also take longer.
After getting the design on your skin, it is ideal to let the new tattoo heal and settle over the old one for a few months.
Cover-up tattoos can be more painful than regular tattoos for several reasons: Skin Condition: The area being covered may have existing scars or irritation, which can increase sensitivity.
The most painful part of a tattoo is the black outline. The shading portion of the tattoo is a lot easier to get through. This is because the artist uses more needles in their machine to shade, and less needles to outline. If your tattoo is more detailed, it will require more outlining and precision.
Covering up an old tattoo can be more painful than getting a new tattoo on fresh skin. This is due to several factors: Skin Condition: The skin over an old tattoo may have scar tissue or be less elastic, which can increase sensitivity during the procedure.
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.
Different kinds/styles of tattoos can also cause a change in discomfort level. Bold, solid lines may hurt more than dotwork or stick-and-poke tattoo styles. Having a talented artist that can ink your preferred style is the best way to manage discomfort during your tattooing session.
Generally, rib and stomach tattoos take the longest. A simple tattoo that would be on a low price range if placed on a leg could potentially double in price if placed on the ribs or stomach. This is because the skin stretches significantly, and tattooing takes twice as long with more skin to work with.
The tattoo experience: Pain as the point
But this pain activates the body's natural release of endorphins, the same chemicals responsible for the high experienced by runners.
Is Asking For a Touch-Up Rude? Not at all! Most artists will tell you to come back once the tattoo is fully healed if it needs any touch-ups.
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.
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.
After an average 3 to 5 sessions your old art will have faded enough to get going on the new piece, depending on what your new art is going to be.
Darker colors, bigger, and more complex designs are often used for cover-ups, as they can better hide the old tattoo. It's not simply about placing a new design over the old one; it's about integrating the old and new in a way that's harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.
Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.
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.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.
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.
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.
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.