Speciality

Cover-ups.

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

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

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Goes to No Regrets Studios’ inquiry form.

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, designed to hide the original within a new piece. 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 every case needs assessment first. Old ink colour, density, darkness, size, placement, scarring, skin condition, available space, and the new idea all affect what is possible. Dark or heavily saturated tattoos need a larger and darker cover-up. Faded or lighter tattoos offer more design freedom, and some tattoos may benefit from laser lightening first.
Not always. Many tattoos can be covered directly. For dark or dense tattoos, 1–2 sessions of laser lightening can significantly expand your design options. If relevant, laser can be grouped into a quote and plan through the studio. The final recommendation is made after photo assessment.
Usually yes. A cover-up normally needs to extend beyond the original tattoo. The darker or denser the old tattoo is, the more space is usually needed. Dimensions will be explained before booking.
The hourly rate is £140. I give an estimate after reviewing your photos, idea, placement, size, skin, old ink, and references. Cover-ups usually take a similar amount of time to colour realism because they need planning, layering, and saturation. Some areas may need a refresh after full healing.
Send a clear close-up photo of the old tattoo and a wider shot showing the whole area and body placement. Use good natural light, include any ideas or references for the new design, and mention scarring, raised skin, previous laser, or healing problems if relevant.
Cover-ups are estimated individually and are usually similar to colour realism timing. Timing depends on the old ink, darkness, scarring, available space, placement, size, and the new design. Larger or darker cover-ups may need multiple sessions.
Surface healing usually takes 10–14 days, and full healing usually takes 4–6 weeks. Cover-ups may feel more intense if working over old or scarred skin. Some areas may need a refresh after full healing.
View all FAQ →

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. After your concept has been reviewed and you decide to book, No Regrets Studios requires a non-refundable chair rental fee to secure the appointment. This comes off the overall tattoo cost.

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Free assessment

Goes to No Regrets Studios’ inquiry form.