A girl with cover up tattoos on her arms

Big Cover up Tattoo Ideas

Written By Kim Harrison on June 30, 2024
Last Updated: August 31, 2024

Struggling with an old tattoo that no longer represents you? Maybe it’s faded, or perhaps it’s a reminder of a time you’d rather forget. Whatever the case, a cover up tattoo can breathe new life into your skin canvas, transforming an unwanted mark into a masterpiece.

TL;DR

Discover creative strategies for cover up tattoos that turn old art into new treasures.
Learn about the importance of choosing the right artist and design for a successful cover up.
Explore innovative design ideas that effectively mask your old tattoos.
Get expert tips on aftercare to ensure your cover up tattoo heals perfectly.
Uncover some unexpected benefits of choosing a cover up tattoo.

Why Consider a Big Cover Up Tattoo?

Cover up tattoos are not merely a means to hide unwanted ink; they are a transformative journey that allows you to reclaim and rewrite your body art narrative. With the right design and a skilled artist, what was once a source of regret can evolve into a cherished art piece.

Turning Regrets into Artistic Triumphs

Big cover up tattoos provide a unique opportunity to correct past mistakes and transform them into visual stories that reflect who you are today:

Correcting Past Mistakes: Whether it’s an impulsive tattoo from your youth or one that didn’t turn out as expected, a cover up can turn regret into pride by crafting an entirely new design over the old one.
Revitalizing Faded Ink: Over time, tattoos can fade and lose their vibrancy. A cover up not only refreshes the look but also adds new depth and detail that enhances the original.
Opportunity for Larger, Complex Designs: Cover up tattoos often require a larger area than the original, giving you the space to opt for a more intricate design that can incorporate various elements to tell a more comprehensive story.
Personal Growth Reflection: A cover up tattoo can symbolize personal growth, marking a significant change or milestone in your life with a new design that better represents your current path or achievements.

Embracing a cover up tattoo allows you to turn a piece of art you no longer resonate with into something beautiful and meaningful, offering both a physical transformation and a significant emotional release.

Tattoo artist making cover up tattoo in a tattoo studio

Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Cover Up

When it comes to cover up tattoos, selecting the right artist is not just important—it’s essential. Cover up tattoos present unique challenges that require specialized skills. An artist skilled in cover ups will have a deep understanding of color theory, shading, and the specific techniques required to work over pre-existing tattoos.

What to Look for in a Tattoo Artist Specializing in Cover Ups

Here are key factors to consider when choosing your artist:

Specialized Experience: Look for an artist who specifically advertises cover up tattoos as a specialty. This indicates they have faced and overcome the unique challenges that cover ups present.
Impressive Portfolio: Review the artist’s portfolio for examples of past cover ups. Look for before and after photos to assess how effectively they can transform and integrate old tattoos into new designs.
Expertise in Color Theory: Successful cover up tattoos depend on using the right colors to mask the old ink. An artist with strong knowledge of color theory can select appropriate colors that both cover the old tattoo and create a vibrant new piece.
Advanced Shading Techniques: Good shading can make the difference between a flat, obvious cover up and a dynamic, seamless tattoo. Evaluate their use of shading in their portfolio pieces.
Client Testimonials: Look for feedback from previous clients, especially those who had cover up tattoos done. Positive testimonials can give you confidence in the artist’s ability to deliver satisfactory results.
Consultation Process: An artist who provides a thorough consultation before getting to work is likely to be detail-oriented and committed to meeting your expectations. During the consultation, they should discuss your vision, the feasibility of the cover up, and the creative process involved.

Choosing the right tattoo artist for your cover up is a critical step towards ensuring you end up with a tattoo you love. It’s about finding a professional who not only has the technical ability to cover up old ink but who also connects with your vision and artistic aspirations.

Innovative Design Ideas for Big Cover Ups

Creativity is paramount when planning a cover up tattoo. The goal is not only to mask the old tattoo but to create a design so captivating that it stands on its own as a new piece of art. Floral patterns, geometric shapes, and abstract designs are particularly adaptable for these transformations, each bringing unique qualities that can complement and completely reinvent the look of the original tattoo.

Small carrot tattoo covered with big red flower tattoo

Exploring Creative Designs for Cover Up Tattoos

Floral Patterns: Ideal for their natural curves and details, floral designs can easily wrap around existing tattoos, subtly blending the old with the new. They are perfect for adding vibrant colors and organic shapes that draw the eye away from the underlying design.
Geometric Shapes: Geometric tattoos offer precision and a bold aesthetic. Their sharp lines and forms can be strategically placed to obscure the outlines of the original tattoo, making them excellent for structured cover ups.
Abstract Art: Abstract designs allow for maximum creativity, using splashes of color, uneven textures, and unusual shapes to cover old ink. They can be particularly effective for creating a new narrative on your skin that doesn’t conform to traditional tattoo aesthetics.
Animal Motifs: Larger animal designs, like lions, wolves, or phoenixes, can use their expansive and detailed features to cover broader and more complex old tattoos.
Cultural Symbols: Symbols with deep meanings, such as Celtic knots or tribal patterns, can offer a dual purpose of aesthetics and personal significance, often incorporating enough detail to effectively cover old designs.

Designs That Work Best for Cover Ups

Choosing the right colors and patterns is crucial for a successful cover up. Advances in tattoo technology have expanded the range of options, making it easier to achieve the desired outcome.

Effective Color and Pattern Choices for Cover Ups

Darker Shades: Traditionally used because they overpower lighter inks, darker shades like deep blues, blacks, and greens remain popular for their effectiveness in masking older tattoos.
Complex Patterns: Intricate patterns can distract from the outlines of the original tattoo and fill space with new, engaging visuals. This includes mandalas, paisleys, or detailed filigree.
Lighter Colors and Detailed Imagery: Thanks to modern advancements in tattoo pigments and techniques, lighter colors and more detailed images are now more feasible for cover ups. These can include pastel shades and high-detail scenes or portraits.
Color Overlapping: Using a mix of saturation levels can help to blend the cover up naturally over the old tattoo, creating a new and seamless piece.

With these creative and technical considerations, anyone looking to cover an old tattoo can find a design that not only conceals the old ink but also adds a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing new layer to their personal story.

A woman hiding behind man with a big cover up tattoo on his back

Caring for Your New Cover Up Tattoo

Proper aftercare is essential for the longevity and appearance of your new cover up tattoo. A cover up often involves more intricate and extensive work than a standard tattoo, which can impact healing times and care requirements. It’s vital to follow your tattoo artist’s specific advice, as well as adhere to general best practices to ensure your tattoo heals optimally and maintains its vibrancy.

Essential Aftercare Tips for Cover Up Tattoos

Here are detailed steps to take care of your new tattoo:

Keep the Tattoo Clean and Dry: Gently wash your tattoo with hypoallergenic, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water twice a day. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. This helps prevent infection and removes any excess ink or plasma.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least the first few weeks. Sun exposure can cause fading and may damage the healing skin. Once healed, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to the tattooed area when exposed to the sun to prolong the vibrancy of your tattoo.
Use Recommended Ointments and Lotions: Apply a thin layer of healing ointment or fragrance-free moisturizing lotion as recommended by your tattoo artist. This keeps the tattoo hydrated and can help soothe any itching or irritation.
Avoid Submerging in Water: Steer clear of swimming pools, hot tubs, and long baths during the healing process. Submerging your tattoo can expose it to bacteria and potentially cause the ink to fade.
Wear Loose Clothing: Cover your tattoo with loose, breathable fabric to avoid irritation and to allow the tattoo to breathe. Tight clothing can cause excessive rubbing, which may lead to scabbing or loss of ink.
Do Not Pick or Scratch: As your tattoo heals, it will scab and peel. It’s crucial not to pick or scratch it, even if it itches, as this can pull out color and lead to uneven healing.

Following these aftercare tips will help ensure that your cover up tattoo heals properly and remains vibrant and beautiful for years to come. Remember, the care you provide in the first few weeks is critical for the ultimate appearance of your tattoo.

The Unexpected Benefits of a Cover Up Tattoo

Aside from aesthetic improvements, cover up tattoos can boost self-esteem and offer closure from past experiences, allowing individuals to move forward with confidence.

Conclusion

Embracing a big cover up tattoo is more than camouflaging past mistakes—it’s about creating a vibrant new artwork that reflects your evolved identity and aesthetic sensibilities. These transformations allow for personal redemption and artistic expression, turning regrettable ink into a source of pride and beauty. With the right approach to design and artist selection, a cover up tattoo not only conceals the old but also reveals new possibilities, making it a powerful testament to personal growth and creative rebirth.

For more interesting content, check out: How much does it cost to remove a tattoo?

FAQs

What makes a good cover up tattoo?

A good cover up tattoo is one that completely obscures the old tattoo while presenting a new, visually appealing design that the wearer can be proud of.

How do I choose a design for my cover up tattoo?

Work closely with a skilled tattoo artist to find a design that suits the size, style, and color scheme needed to effectively cover the old tattoo.

Are cover up tattoos more painful than regular tattoos?

They can be, depending on the location and size of the old tattoo, but the pain level varies greatly from person to person.

How long do cover up tattoos take to heal?

Healing time for cover up tattoos is generally the same as with other tattoos, typically around two weeks for the outer healing and up to two months for the inner healing.