Cover-Up Tattoos

The consultation is the most important step for a cover-up. Your artist will examine the existing tattoo — its size, color density, ink saturation, and how it sits on your skin. They will discuss design options that will work as effective covers. This is a collaborative process, and your input on what you want the final result to look like matters enormously.

The design phase for a cover-up is typically more complex than a fresh tattoo. Your artist needs to incorporate the old tattoo's shape and position into the new design, which constrains the composition in ways that a blank-skin design does not. Expect the design process to take a bit longer as your artist works through the puzzle of concealing the old work while creating something beautiful.

Cover-up sessions often run longer than equivalent fresh tattoos because the artist is working over existing ink, which can require more passes, heavier saturation, and more careful layering. Small cover-ups might take 2 to 4 hours. Medium cover-ups run 4 to 8 hours. Large-scale cover-up projects can require 15 to 30 hours across multiple sessions.

Cover-ups can happen wherever the existing tattoo is, which means the placement is usually predetermined. The most common cover-up locations are upper arms, forearms, back, and chest — areas where people tend to have older tattoos they have outgrown. Covering tattoos on sensitive areas like ribs, inner arms, or feet is certainly possible but comes with the same pain considerations as any tattoo in those locations.

Tattooing over existing ink can sometimes feel slightly more intense than tattooing on fresh skin, particularly in areas where the old tattoo has heavy scarring from poor original work. Your artist will adjust their approach based on how the skin responds. Communicate openly about your comfort level — breaks are always available.

Cover-up tattoos often involve heavier ink saturation than standard tattoos, which can mean a slightly more intense healing process. Expect more swelling and tenderness in the first few days, and potentially more dramatic peeling. The surface heals in 2 to 4 weeks, with the full result visible after 6 to 8 weeks once all layers have settled.

Follow standard aftercare diligently — gentle washing with unscented soap, thin layers of moisturizer, no sun or water exposure during healing. Because cover-ups deposit more ink into skin that already has existing pigment, the healing process benefits from extra patience. Do not panic if the piece looks rough during the peeling phase — cover-ups often look their best only after complete healing.

Cover-up tattoos at Bárû Mu typically run $100 to $200 per hour, similar to other custom work. However, cover-ups often require more time than a comparable fresh tattoo due to the additional complexity. Small cover-ups range from $200 to $500. Medium cover-ups run $500 to $1,500. Large-scale cover-up projects — covering full sleeves, large back pieces, or heavily saturated old work — can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

If laser lightening is recommended before the cover-up, that is an additional cost handled by a separate laser provider. We can recommend trusted laser clinics in Los Angeles that work well with cover-up preparation. Your free consultation will include an honest assessment of whether laser treatment would benefit your specific situation.

Can any tattoo be covered up?

Most tattoos can be covered to some degree, but not every tattoo can be fully concealed with a single cover-up session. Very dark, heavily saturated tattoos may need laser lightening first. Very large tattoos require very large cover-up designs. Your artist will give you an honest assessment during your free consultation.

Does a cover-up tattoo hurt more than a regular tattoo?

Some people report slightly more discomfort when tattooing over existing ink, especially in areas with scar tissue from the original work. However, the difference is usually minimal. The bigger factor is session length, since cover-ups often take longer than equivalent fresh tattoos.

How should I prepare for a cover-up consultation?

Bring the old tattoo uncovered (no concealer or makeup over it) so your artist can see exactly what they are working with. If you have ideas for the new design, bring references. If you are open to suggestions, that works too — your artist has covered up hundreds of pieces and knows what works.

Should I get laser removal before a cover-up?

It depends on the old tattoo. Lighter, faded tattoos can often be covered directly. Darker, heavily saturated pieces benefit from 2 to 4 laser lightening sessions to reduce the ink density before covering. Your artist will recommend the best approach for your specific situation.

How big does the cover-up need to be?

Generally, the new design needs to be at least 30 to 50 percent larger than the old tattoo to effectively conceal it. The exact size depends on the old tattoo's darkness, color, and position. Your artist will design something that provides adequate coverage while still looking natural and intentional.

How do I choose the right style for a cover-up?

Styles with bold outlines, dense color saturation, or heavy black coverage tend to work best for cover-ups. Traditional, neo-traditional, blackwork, and black and gray realism are all strong options. Your artist will recommend styles that work best for your specific old tattoo.

Do you offer free consultations for cover-ups?

Absolutely. Walk in anytime during business hours for a free cover-up assessment. No appointment needed, no pressure, no deposit just to talk. We want to see what you have and show you what is possible.

Can you fix a bad tattoo without covering it completely?

Sometimes a rework is a better option than a full cover-up. Reworks involve fixing, enhancing, or adding to an existing tattoo rather than concealing it entirely. If the basic design is something you like but the execution was poor, a rework might be the way to go. Your artist will discuss all options.