Speciality

Cover-ups.

Transforming old or unwanted tattoos into artwork you'll genuinely love. Expert assessment, honest advice.

Manchester & Salford · From £140/hr · Free photo assessment

Send Photos for Assessment How cover-ups work →

A Second Chance for Your Skin

A cover-up replaces an old tattoo with something new — using strategic design, colour theory, and layered realism to completely conceal the original. It's not about hiding a mistake; it's about creating a piece you're proud to show.

Cover-ups require more planning than fresh tattoos. The old ink's colour, density, size, and placement all affect what's possible. That's why I always start with a thorough photo assessment — I'll tell you honestly what can be achieved before you commit.

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Free Assessment

Send photos of your old tattoo. I'll evaluate what's possible and give you an honest, no-obligation assessment before anything else.

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Strategic Design

Cover-ups need clever composition — using the old tattoo's shapes, shadows, and placement to inform the new design rather than fighting against them.

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Complete Concealment

The goal is a finished piece where the old tattoo is invisible — not just hidden behind heavier ink, but genuinely integrated into the new design.

Cover-up Process

Step by step

1

Photo Assessment

Send a clear close-up of the old tattoo and a wider shot showing the whole area, in good natural light. I'll assess the colour, density, and scarring to determine what's possible.

2

Honest Feedback

I'll tell you exactly what can and can't be done. If laser lightening would help, I'll recommend it. If the old tattoo is too dark or dense for certain designs, you'll know upfront.

3

Custom Design

The new design is built around the old tattoo's specific characteristics — using its shapes and shadows as a starting point, not working against them. You'll see the design on session day.

4

Tattoo & Aftercare

Cover-ups typically take longer than equivalent fresh tattoos due to the additional layering required. Full aftercare guide provided. I follow up during healing.

Key things to know about cover-ups

Darker covers darker. A dark tattoo can only be covered with something darker and usually larger. Lighter, faded tattoos give more design freedom.

Size matters. The cover-up will need to be larger than the original — how much depends on the old tattoo. I'll explain the required dimensions clearly.

Laser is optional. Many tattoos can be covered directly. But 1–2 laser lightening sessions can dramatically expand your options for very dark or dense tattoos.

Both styles work. Cover-ups can be done in colour realism or black and grey. The choice depends on the old tattoo and your preference.

Other specialities

Colour Realism

Vivid photorealistic colour work.

Black & Grey Realism

Dramatic monochrome with smooth shading.

Cover-up FAQ

Most tattoos can be covered, but the result depends on the old tattoo's colour, density, size, and placement. Dark, heavily saturated tattoos require a larger and darker cover-up. Faded or lighter tattoos offer more design flexibility. I assess every case individually from photos.
Not always. Many tattoos can be covered directly. However, 1–2 sessions of laser lightening can significantly expand your design options, especially for very dark or dense tattoos. I'll advise honestly during assessment.
Usually yes. A cover-up needs to extend beyond the original to properly conceal it. How much larger depends on the old tattoo. I'll explain the required dimensions clearly so there are no surprises.
Cover-ups are charged at my standard hourly rate of £140. They typically take longer than equivalent fresh tattoos due to the additional layering and complexity involved.
A clear close-up of the old tattoo and a wider shot showing the entire area, both in good natural light. Include any ideas you have for the new design.
Same as any tattoo — surface healing in 10–14 days, full healing in 4–6 weeks. Cover-ups may feel slightly more intense during the session due to working over existing ink and scar tissue.
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Ready for a fresh start?

Free photo assessment · No obligation

Send me photos of your old tattoo and I'll give you an honest assessment of what's possible. No deposit until we've agreed on a concept.

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Free assessment