Once you have received a permanent tattoo, removing the tattoo is painful and expensive. Covering up the old tattoo with a new design is an option that tattoo artists provide. Researching the tattoo artist by looking at his portfolio and seeing before and after photos of cover-up work will aid you in choosing the right artist for your cover-up.
Function
A tattoo cover-up is a tattoo design that hides an existing or old tattoo design. When a cover-up is designed properly and tattooed appropriately, the tattoo beneath the cover-up is not visible. Tattoo artists without experience in cover-up tattooing or if she's an apprentice should not attempt to perform this tattoo procedure.
Time Frame
More time is involved in cover-up tattoo work than in an initial tattoo. You have to book a consultation with a tattoo artist. During the consultation, the tattoo artist will look at your existing tattoo and explain your options for color, imagery and size involved to perform the cover-up. A cover-up tattoo design is generally two to three times the size of the original tattoo; requiring a longer tattooing session than the original tattoo. When covering up an extremely large tattoo, such as a back piece, several sessions with healing periods between may be necessary. Even though you may want to cover-up a tattoo as quickly as possible, keep in mind you are seeking a cover-up because of a hasty or bad decision in the past. Try to exercise patience.
Benefits
If you are wearing a tattoo in a visible location, such as a forearm, that has offensive subject matter, covering up the tattoo with tasteful subject matter may improve your chances in finding employment or your social standing. A tattoo artist covering up the name of old boyfriend or girlfriend can help you move on with your life or with a new partner. Tattoo work performed by a non-professional, with its shaky lines, patchy color or blowouts, can be an embarrassing reminder of a bad decision. Covering up poorly executed tattoo work can renew your self-esteem and allow you to show your tattoo instead of trying to hide it.
Misconceptions
Many tattoo artists are under the impression that tattoo can only be covered by black ink. This is a common misconception when you are considering a tattoo cover-up. When performed correctly, a cover-up has the possibility of being tattooed in full color. Full color, textured and intricate designs are possible to cover an existing tattoo when you choose a tattoo artist that uses proper placement and technique during the procedure. Another misconception is that burns, stretch marks or scars cannot be covered with tattoos. Depending on the severity of the marks, a skilled tattoo artist can disguise the scars with tattoos.
Prevention/Solution
Some tattoo artists may recommend several laser removal sessions for your existing tattoo before performing the cover-up. Existing tattoo designs with dark, solid pigment or thick lines may benefit from the beginning of a laser removal process, costing only a portion of full laser removal. Consider the tattoo artist and the cover-up design before agreeing to a cover-up tattoo design. The price of the cover-up should be a low priority when consulting with a professional tattoo artist for a cover-up tattoo. Highly skilled tattoo artists are expensive because the quality of the tattoo work is superior to "scratchers" or non-professionals. Visiting a non-professional who offered a low price in the first place may be the reason you are seeking a cover-up. You do not want to make the same permanent mistake twice.
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