As the name implies, a tattoo coverup is a tattoo that is designed to conceal another tattoo. Coverups are used for a variety of reasons, including concealing a gang tattoo or reworking an existing design to make it more interesting or aesthetically pleasing. Many tattoo artists provide coverups to their customers, though you may be charged a little more because the process of a tattoo coverup is more involved than that of a regular tattoo.
As you might expect, the success of a tattoo coverup is determined the tattoo being covered as well as the artist’s skill and experience. The artist must first evaluate the existing design before creating a design that will artfully cover it, ideally without drawing attention to the fact that the new tattoo is a coverup. To make the coverup successful, the artist may need to use a variety of techniques during the tattooing process, including heavy inking to ensure even and thorough penetration.
Finding a coverup artist is the same as finding any other tattoo artist. You can begin seeking recommendations from people who have had coverups that you like, or simply from people who have tattoos that you admire, whether or not they are coverups. You can also simply seek out an artist who works in a style you enjoy and inquire if he or she offers coverup services. In either case, request a portfolio of tattoo coverup work with before and after photos, as well as photos of their coverups after several months of healing to see how they look.
When you meet with a tattoo artist to discuss a coverup, he or she will typically request to see the tattoo you want to cover, and a tracing of the design will be made to serve as a framework for the coverup. You can talk to the artist about your options. Be aware that the size of an existing tattoo and the inks used will limit a tattoo coverup; for example, a very dark tattoo will require a dark coverup, whereas lighter tattoos can be covered up with a lighter hand. Typically, the artist will create some rough sketches before creating a custom piece for your approval; if you like the design, you can schedule an appointment to begin the tattoo coverup.
Obviously, most people want to stay out of situations where they might need to hide their identity. However, your taste and lifestyle may evolve in unexpected ways throughout your life, and a tattoo coverup is a great way to rework tattoos you don’t like rather than living with them or going through the pain and expense of tattoo removal.