Tattoos are an incredible way to show self-expression. Tattoos can make us feel empowered, individualistic, and more involved in the world around us, whether we get them to remember someone or simply as a point of entry into a community. However, as our design preferences change over time, it’s not unusual to want to cover up some or all the art we’ve had inked onto our skin. Here’s what you should know about tattoo cover-ups.
The Size, Age, and Depth of the Original Tattoo
The current state of the tattoo, including its color, size, and the amount of fading, is important to consider when getting it covered up. Your best bet for a tattoo cover-up is one that is darker and larger than your current tattoo. The ink moves deeper into the skin when a previous tattoo application breaks down, making covering up the design more difficult, if not impossible.
Think About the New Tattoo Design Beforehand
Before committing to a tattoo cover-up, you must take the time to think about the new tattoo design. Consult your artist about the concept before starting the process. Tattoo cover-ups work best when the new design is big enough to cover up the old one, so you and your tattoo artist must plan and properly position the new design well.
Find an Experienced Tattoo Cover-Up Artist
Tattoo cover-up artists need special skills to use dense body inks that can cover up previous tattoos. It’s better to find an experienced artist for this kind of work. Look for artists who have images or video samples of past work in cover-ups that you think match your requirements. Finding the perfect place to enlist a tattoo cover-up artist’s service depends on your preferences, whether you go to a local shop or a famous tattoo studio in NYC.
Know That Cover-Ups May Not Function as Planned
While some may do better tattoo cover-ups than others, it’s important to note that not everyone will get perfect results. The finished product largely depends on the range and depth of the original tattoo and the tattoo artist’s experience. Approach the tattoo cover-up consultation with an open mind.
Aftercare Is Crucial
Aftercare is essential for any tattoo, but much more so for tattoo cover-ups. Proper skin treatment helps to reduce fading, infection, and inflammation while improving the result. Your artist should advise on the best aftercare routine, but in general, stay away from swimming or bathing for at least a few days while the skin recovers.
Make Your Tattoo Look Good for Years To Come
Planning and executing tattoo cover-ups isn’t easy, but understanding what you should know about tattoo cover-ups can ease the process. While you can’t cover some tattoos, others may simply need some time and effort. With the correct guidance and patience, you can give your tattoo the appropriate attention and make it look good for years to come.