Erasing a tattoo or camouflaging a scar with a new design is a delicate and demanding artistic process. Unlike a first tattoo, a cover-up requires a deep understanding of pigments, skin, and layering techniques. Here are some essential things to consider if you're thinking about covering an old tattoo or a scar.
No Need to Go Darker: Opacity is Key
One of the most persistent myths is that a cover-up tattoo must always be darker than the original. In reality, it’s not about the colour, but rather the opacity of the pigment.
Some dark colours, like blues and pinks, may appear intense but are actually relatively transparent. In contrast, lighter shades, such as certain yellows or greens—particularly those containing a lot of white—are often much more opaque and provide better coverage.
This is especially useful when covering old tattoos. Over time, surface pigments degrade due to exposure to light. Even if a tattoo still appears dark, it can often be concealed with lighter but sufficiently opaque colours. The older the tattoo, the deeper it sits in the skin, making it easier to hide.
On the other hand, more recent tattoos, with pigments still close to the surface, pose a greater risk of blending with the new colours applied. This can lead to duller results and less vibrant hues.
Choosing the Right Colours: Avoid Diluted Black and Grey
Colour choice is key in achieving a successful cover-up. Many people still believe that black and grey tattoos are the best solution for hiding old ink. However, traditional grey is created by diluting black, which makes it increasingly transparent.
A much better alternative is to use opaque grey, created by mixing white with black. This allows for layers of opaque pigment to be applied in the same way as with a colour tattoo, offering more effective coverage. This monochromatic option is ideal for those who prefer a design in shades of grey without compromising on the quality of the cover-up.
Be careful with colour overlaying. For example, a blue covered with violet or a red covered with pink can yield beautiful results, but applying yellow—even opaque—over blue can result in green. If you’re an artist or a tattoo enthusiast, take the time to check pigment descriptions from suppliers or manufacturers to understand their opacity levels.
A Cover-Up Doesn’t Have to Be Much Bigger
Contrary to popular belief, a cover-up tattoo doesn’t need to be two to three times larger than the original. With a well-thought-out design, it's often possible to follow the shape of the original tattoo without significantly increasing its size.
That said, if space allows, it’s always wise to slightly decenter the new tattoo. An effective technique is to draw attention with a standout element, such as a bright flower, near the area to be covered. Supporting elements, like foliage, can then be used to hide the part you want to conceal.
The lighter or less dense areas of the old tattoo are also opportunities. These spaces can be used to incorporate lighter elements or highlights, adding depth and contrast to the new design.
Texture: The Secret to a Successful Cover-Up
One of the best ways to hide an old tattoo is through texture. Alternating between dark and light colours in close proximity can help break up the lines and shapes of the tattoo beneath. This technique is particularly effective for hiding text, which can be one of the most difficult designs to cover.
Organic textures, like foliage, fur, wrinkled petals, or feathers, are ideal for creating a visual effect that distracts the eye from the old design. This is why I often favour natural themes for cover-ups, although other subjects can also work well.
Covering a Scar: A Delicate Art
Camouflaging a scar with a tattoo presents an additional challenge. Scarred skin can be thicker or thinner than normal skin and reacts differently to ink. It’s crucial to adapt the technique accordingly.
I recommend avoiding solid lines across scars, as they tend to spread unpredictably, creating blurry or smudged areas. Once again, organic textures with their irregular shapes and gradients are often the best option for hiding scars while maintaining a harmonious design.
Choosing the Right Artist: A Crucial Decision
Doing a cover-up is much more complicated than getting a first tattoo. It requires in-depth expertise and confidence. Many artists, due to lack of experience or certainty, prefer not to perform cover-ups.
It’s essential to choose an artist with experience in this area. A poorly executed cover-up can result in double the regret, especially if past mistakes are simply worsened. If you want to invest in a new tattoo that will fully satisfy you, it’s important to prioritize quality and expertise. Sometimes, it’s also wise to consider laser sessions to lighten the tattoo before covering it.
Do you have an old tattoo or a scar you’d like to hide?
Covering old tattoos and scars is one of my specialties. If you have a project in mind, don’t hesitate to contact me with photos of your current tattoo or scar. I’ll be happy to discuss your options and create a unique design that will help you move forward with confidence.
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