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Cover-up tattoos in Berlin

A cover-up hides an old tattoo under a new design. How well this works depends on the size, ink density and condition of the old piece. In your consultation we look at the area and tell you honestly whether a cover-up is possible or whether laser fading first would make sense.

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What is a cover-up?

With a cover-up, a new design completely hides an existing tattoo. The new piece uses dark areas, shading and patterns to make the old tattoo disappear. There are plenty of reasons: a faded design, a name that no longer fits, or a tattoo you were never happy with. Whatever the reason, a cover-up tattoo in Berlin starts with an honest look at what's already there.

Will my tattoo work as a cover-up?

It mainly depends on three things: the size, the ink density and the condition of the old tattoo. The darker and denser the old design, the larger and darker the new one needs to be. Light or heavily faded tattoos, on the other hand, are often easy to cover. Ideally, bring a current photo to your consultation at our studio in Berlin, so the artist can properly assess the starting point for your cover-up tattoo.

When laser fading makes sense

Sometimes the old tattoo is so dark that a cover-up would be very limiting. In that case, it can be worth lightening it with a few laser sessions first. The old design doesn't have to disappear completely; it's often enough for it to become noticeably lighter. That gives you much more freedom for the new design. Whether fading makes sense for your cover-up tattoo in Berlin is something we'll discuss honestly in your consultation.

Design: what works for covering

Good cover-ups work with the old tattoo rather than against it. Organic motifs such as flowers, animals, feathers or ornaments hide old lines particularly well because they allow lots of shading and shapes. Very fine, light or minimalist designs, by contrast, rarely work. Also expect your cover-up to turn out bigger than the original tattoo – often considerably bigger.

Sessions and healing

At our Berlin studio, a cover-up tattoo often takes more time than a new tattoo of the same size, because the artist works very precisely on skin that already carries ink. We split larger pieces over several sessions. Healing is the same as for any other tattoo – just follow our aftercare guide.

Planning a cover-up tattoo in Berlin? Send us a photo of the area and your ideas via our request form – we'll get back to you with an honest assessment.

How to look after your new tattoo

Work from the studio

See work in this style
Cover-up: old tattoo covered with a new design
Before: Cover-up: old tattoo covered with a new design
Cover-up Cover-up
Cover-up on the upper arm: old tattoo covered with a new design
Before: Cover-up on the upper arm: old tattoo covered with a new design
Cover-up on the upper arm Cover-up
Cover-up on the chest: old tattoo covered with a new design
Before: Cover-up on the chest: old tattoo covered with a new design
Cover-up on the chest Cover-up
Cover-up on the shoulder: old tattoo covered with a new design
Before: Cover-up on the shoulder: old tattoo covered with a new design
Cover-up on the shoulder Cover-up
Cover-up on the thigh: old tattoo covered with a new design
Before: Cover-up on the thigh: old tattoo covered with a new design
Cover-up on the thigh Cover-up
Cover-up on the chest: old tattoo covered with a new design
Before: Cover-up on the chest: old tattoo covered with a new design
Cover-up on the chest Cover-up

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger does a cover-up need to be?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The new tattoo is often considerably larger and darker than the old one. Exactly how much depends on the size, colour and density of the old design.

Do I need laser treatment before a cover-up?

Not always. With very dark or dense tattoos, lightening them in a few sessions can make sense, because it gives you more options for the new design. We'll tell you honestly in the consultation what we recommend.

Does every tattoo work as a cover-up?

Not every one. Sometimes a rework – reworking the old design – or a blast-over is the better solution. We'll work out together which option suits you.

More styles

Ready for your tattoo?

Tell us about your idea – size, placement and a few reference images help. We'll get back to you to arrange a consultation.

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