10/22/2026
Coverups don’t have to be a black blob.
You do NOT need to see your old tattoo under your new one.
But you do have to follow some rules and have reasonable expectations if you want a bright, beautiful new tattoo where there is existing work.
Expect to make it big. Expect it to be busy (the more texture the less black is needed), but expect less fine detail as well.
If you want colours on the lighter or more translucent end of the spectrum, commit to multiple sessions and LAYERS. Every bright spot on this tattoo was gone over at least twice, and some places three times to make the greyscale underneath disappear. I adjusted the stencil on the client to work with the darks already present. We did five sessions, some tattoos may need 7 plus. If you’re not interested in sitting for so many sessions accept that you may need to stick to blues and greens and watercolour for a style.
If your current work is heavily scarred use shea butter for a few weeks/months before your appointment, during the healing process and for up to a year afterward while your new tattoo settles. Shea butter has a ton of vitamin e, and easily accessible natural fats that help your skin heal and glow from within.
Remember the process that got you into the position where you need a coverup.
Great coverups (and tattoos in general) are an investment; they take time, money and a different skill set than the average tattoo artist employs.
