Tattoo Cover‑Up Specialist
London London Blue Lady Tattoo
A successful cover‑up isn’t about making the tattoo darker — it’s about choosing a design that hides the old lines and shapes using shading, structure and contrast. Some colours simply won’t cover old ink, so every cover‑up must be planned individually to make sure the result looks clean and natural. Most cover‑ups need to be at least twice the size of the original, and for darker tattoos around three times bigger, to allow proper coverage and a clean result.
We specialise in difficult tattoo cover‑ups. A successful cover‑up isn’t about making the tattoo darker — it’s about choosing a design that hides the old lines and shapes using shading, structure and contrast. Some colours simply won’t cover old ink, so every cover‑up must be planned individually to make sure the result looks clean and natural.
Our studio has over 20 years of experience working with tattoo designs, and our two resident artists have more than 40 years of combined tattooing experience. If you’re regretting an old tattoo or want to transform it into something new, you’re in the right place.
We don’t believe in the word “impossible”. If you’ve been told your tattoo can’t be covered, let us prove them wrong. Most “impossible” tattoos just need the right design approach.
To get started, we’ll need a clear photo of your existing tattoo. Please send two images: one close‑up of the tattoo and one taken from a distance to show its position on your body.
We’ll also need your ideas and preferences — whether you prefer black and grey or colour, and what style you like. Once we have everything, we’ll create your design in Photoshop so you can see a mock‑up of the tattoo on your body before the session.
Please note:
We cannot give any price — not even an estimate — until the cover‑up design is chosen and ready. The final cost depends entirely on how complicated the cover‑up is, the design used to hide the old tattoo, and the amount of work required. It does not depend on size alone — complexity is what matters.
Once the design is agreed, one of our artists will turn it into a beautiful new tattoo. Check out some of our custom cover‑up designs below — let us help you transform your old tattoo into something you love.
If you want honest advice about covering an old tattoo, send us a clear photo and we’ll tell you what’s possible. We specialise in difficult, dark and old tattoos, so we can explain exactly what will work and what won’t.
A deposit is required to begin customising a design.
What Makes a Successful Cover‑Up
- Choosing designs that disguise shapes, not just darken them
- Using shading and texture to hide old lines
- Increasing size to allow proper coverage
- Understanding how old ink behaves under new pigment
• Some colours simply won’t hide the old ink, so choosing the right tones is essential
What Our Clients Say
“Other studios refused to touch my tattoo without laser, but Zsolt took it on with total confidence. The result is incredible — these guys really know their craft.”
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“I had a bad cover‑up that needed fixing. After two laser sessions, they gave me a new cover‑up today and I’m honestly wowed. Lovely people, patient artist — worth every penny.”
“The cover‑up design they suggested was perfect. Phetrus is a wizard — my old tattoo is completely hidden and the new piece is stunning. I couldn’t be happier.”
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“Everything was awesome. The whole team was friendly, knowledgeable and talented. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience — thank you, Zsolt.”
TATTOO COVER UP BY PHETRUS
TATTOO COVER UP BY ZSOLT
TATTOO COVER UP BY GOSKA
TATTOO COVER UP IDEAS BY DITA
• Can any tattoo be covered?
Most tattoos can be covered, but only with the right design. A cover‑up must disguise the old shapes, not sit on top of them. Some tattoos need a bigger design to hide the old lines properly.
• Do cover‑ups need to be bigger?
Usually yes. To hide the old tattoo properly, the new design often needs to be 2–3 times bigger. Small cover‑ups are only possible when the old tattoo is small and light.
• Can you cover black ink?
Yes — but it requires the right design and shading. Black ink can’t be lightened, so we use texture, depth and new shapes to break it up and hide it inside the new tattoo.
• Can you cover a tattoo with skin‑colour ink?
No. Skin‑tone ink does not hide tattoos. It heals as a strange patch and the old tattoo still shows through. Skin has natural variation that ink cannot copy, so “skin‑colour cover‑ups” always fail.
• Can you cover one name with another name?
No. Lettering cannot hide lettering. The old name will still show through. A proper cover‑up needs shading, texture and new shapes to break up the old lines.
• Does skin colour affect how well a cover‑up works?
Yes. Different skin tones heal colours differently, and some colours simply won’t hide old ink on certain skin tones. This is why every cover‑up must be planned individually.
• How many sessions do I need?
It depends on the size and darkness of the old tattoo.
Small tattoos can usually be covered in one session.
Bigger or darker tattoos often need multiple sessions, especially if we need to break up old lines before adding the final shading.
• Do cover‑ups need retouching?
Often yes. Cover‑ups heal differently from tattoos on clear skin. Retouches for cover‑ups are not free, because the old ink affects the healing.
• Can you do fine‑line cover‑ups?
No. Fine‑line tattoos do not hide old ink. A cover‑up needs shading, texture and structure to disguise the old shapes.
• Can I choose any design for my cover‑up?
You can send ideas, but not every design will work. We choose the option that hides your old tattoo best — not every style can cover every shape.
• What photos do you need to give me a price?
We need:
- a few close‑ups
- a few photos from a distance
- photos taken straight on, not at an angle
- the tattoo’s position on your body
- your ideas for the new design
Without this, we can’t estimate anything.
• How much will my cover‑up cost?
The price depends on:
- size
- complexity
- colour vs black & grey
- placement
- how dark is the old tattoo
We can only give a rough estimate before the design is ready.
• What is your hourly rate?
We charge £110 per hour or discounted £700 for a full‑day session
• Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. To start the design or book an appointment, we require a £50–£55 deposit (depending on payment method). The deposit goes toward the final price.
• How does the design process work?
We create a custom design based on your photos and ideas.
We send you the mock‑up for review, and we make all possible changes.
Some artists prepare the design on the same day before the tattoo session.
• Do you offer consultations?
Yes — free consultation in person or online.
If you live far away, online is fine.
• Can I get a geometric design as a cover‑up?
Usually no. Geometric designs do not hide old tattoos — the old shapes show through.
• Do you offer instalments?
Yes — you can pay in advance in instalments.
Card payments have a small surcharge.
