Services
Cover-up
If your old tattoo no longer makes you happy, a new piece will take its place.
A cover-up is a new tattoo over an old one that you've fallen out of love with, that has blurred or lost its meaning. The artist's job is to design it so the old work is hidden within the new one, and the result looks like a tattoo in its own right.
How a cover-up is planned
The new piece is usually larger and darker than the old one: dense shadows, saturated colour and texture help hide the old lines. Your artist looks at where the old tattoo is darkest and plans the composition so those areas sink into the shadows of the new design. Realistic subjects with plenty of depth — animals, flowers, portraits — work well.
When laser is needed
Sometimes an old tattoo is too dark or too large to cover straight away. In that case we'll refer you to our partner, who will lighten it with laser — giving the new piece more freedom in colour and composition.
Where to start
Send a photo of the old tattoo in daylight — straight on and slightly from the side — and tell us what you'd like. We'll assess what can be done, and at a free consultation your artist will look at the tattoo in person and suggest a subject and size.
Frequently asked questions
01Can any tattoo be covered?
Many can — it all depends on the size, colour and density of the old work. If it's too dark, it's lightened with laser first. We'll tell you for sure once we see a photo.
02Does the new tattoo have to be bigger than the old one?
Usually, yes: the new piece needs some margin to hide the edges and dark areas of the old one. Your artist will tell you how much bigger once they've seen the old tattoo.
03Can a dark tattoo be covered with a light one?
Light colour doesn't hide dark colour, so cover-ups use more saturated tones. If you want a light piece, the old tattoo is lightened with laser first.
04How much does a cover-up cost?
We give a price once we've seen the old tattoo: it depends on its size and colour and on the new design. Send us a photo — the assessment is free.
05How many sessions does it take?
A small cover-up can be done in one session, a large one over several, with breaks for healing.
Let’s talk about your project
Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll give you a quote and suggest a date.
Other services
All services
01Colour realismFor when you want a tattoo that looks alive: rich colour, light and depth.
02Black and grey realismFor those who love restraint: deep shadows and soft shades of grey.
03MicrorealismIf you want realism on a small scale: every detail stays easy to read.
04PortraitsKeep your loved ones close: a portrait of a person or pet from a photo.
05HyperrealismWhen realism isn't enough: every pore, highlight and reflection, just like a photo.
06WatercolourFor a light touch: colour that flows across the skin like paint on paper.- 07LetteringFor words that matter to you: a name, a date or a line from a favourite song.
08TrainingFor tattoo artists who want to grow in realism: learn from an artist with 100+ awards.
09Gift cardsA gift that lets someone choose their own tattoo. Valid for 12 months.
Not sure which service is yours? That's normal: an idea usually lives in words, not in the name of a style. Tell us what you'd like and where — we'll suggest how it sits best and show you similar work. Come in for a free consultation: we'll look at the placement, try the design on and tell you honestly if it won't work that way.