What is involved in tattooing over an existing color tattoo?

Answer by  LouB (294)

It is important that you have your work done by a clean, reputable tattoo artist. You can cover over lighter work with darker ink. In some cases, you will need to work with the existing tattoo to create a new design. If you're adding to existing work, there may be some bleeding between colors.

Answer by  Topaz (46)

This is assessed on a case by case basis. A darker tattoo may cover a lighter one, but it depends on the design. Size also matters. Coverup designs will be more effective if they are at least 3 times the size of the original tattoo. Lightening the original with a q-switched laser first is a very good option.

Answer by  tyger979 (18)

Yes, a darker tattoo will cover up a lighter one. When you get a cover-up tattoo you have to select a design that will properly cover the old tattoo without making it look like a cover-up. It is also a bit more painful due to the scar tissue.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

For the most part that is how tattoos are covered up. Artist will take the existing design and create a large one to cover it up. The will us areas of darker colors to make the old tattoo less noticeable. When covering up a black tattoo larger area of black or created to hide the old design.

Answer by  Chinsa13 (40)

Choosing a tattoo to go over the unwanted tattoo is a start. Pick a tattoo that is larger than the original and with darker colors to cover the old tattoo. For instance, if the tattoo is of a yellow rose with green trim, then pick a tattoo with reds, blues and greens.

Answer by  fred19 (73)

Most tattooist cover existing tattoos by incorporating the same color in the new tattoo art. A darker color will hide an existing tattoo.

Answer by  Disneyphan (529)

Normally the darker colors will cover the lighter ones. You will need to realize you will end up with a tattoo that is slightly larger then the original tattoo.

Answer by  Dana46 (2345)

Tattooing over existing tattoos, or cover-ups, really only work well when the color used is either within the same color scheme, as in dark green over light green, or significantly darker then the original color used, usually black. Otherwise, the tattooing process is very similar to the original tattoo.

Answer by  John (9008)

Darker colors can sometimes cover lighter ones, but they might also appear blotchy or become an entirely different color. There are tattoo artists who specialize in "cover-ups," where an old tattoo is hidden under a new one. Usually, the new tattoo will have to be pretty dark and the design choices will be limited.