Some tattoos don't accompany us for life as we once imagined. Maybe your taste has changed, maybe the original design was a spontaneous decision, or it reminds you of something you want to leave behind. A cover-up offers the chance for a real new start.

At Blade & Shade in Lucerne, we specialize in professionally reworking or completely covering up old or unloved tattoos — with motifs that suit you and meet your tattoo wishes. Our artists analyse exactly what is possible: Which colors can be covered, how can the old motif be incorporated into the new design, which techniques ensure long-term durability?

A successful cover-up is more than just an optical correction. It is a piece of personal liberation. We will support you on this journey with experience, sensitivity and the desire to turn “lost space” into something completely new.

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What is a cover-up tattoo?

A cover-up is a new tattoo over an old one. It is a creative and technical task to plan and implement a coveup in such a way that it works. Old lettering, ill-considered youthful sins, inappropriate symbols, or poorly executed tattoos can be stressful. A well-planned cover-up creates the opportunity to leave these traces behind and replace them with a new, suitable motif.

Before we develop a new design, our artists at Blade & Shade carefully look at the existing tattoo. In doing so, we check which colors are still visible, how deep the old color is in the skin and what its texture is and how the tattoo can be adjusted. On this basis, a new motif is created that reliably covers the original tattoo and at the same time impresses in terms of design.

A successful cover-up requires experience, a sure sense of proportion and color, and the ability to creatively integrate existing elements. Strong, contrasting motifs are often useful to completely cover up the old tattoo. Depending on the skin type and templates, however, finer styles can also be implemented, provided that the structure and choice of colors are well thought out.

We would be happy to advise you if it makes sense to lighten the existing tattoo with laser treatment before a cover-up. This is particularly recommended when very dark or large areas restrict design options. This is how we create optimal conditions for a new tattoo.

If you would like to have an existing tattoo reworked or are still unsure, we will be happy to advise you personally. Together, we find out what is possible and develop a new design that meets your expectations and is convincing in the long term.

Examples of cover-up tattoos from our studio

Variants of cover-up tattoos

Not every cover-up is the same. Depending on the initial situation, complexion and personal wishes, there are different ways to redesign an old tattoo or an unwanted area on the skin. At Blade & Shade, we have a lot of experience with various approaches — from classic coverings to sensitive medical solutions.

We'll introduce you to the most important styles here:

Classic cover up

A classic cover-up completely covers an existing tattoo with a new motif. The aim is to integrate or neutralize the old image in such a way that it is no longer visually recognizable without losing aesthetics or individuality.

The new design is specifically tailored to the circumstances: Form, depth, colors and style must work together harmoniously. Bold lines, dynamic shapes and targeted contrasts are often used to permanently mask the old tattoo, but finer styles are also possible if the original motif allows it.

Cover scars

Tattooing scars requires a particularly sensitive process, both creatively and technically. This is not only about concealing, but often also about processing and self-determination. Depending on the type, location and structure of the scar, our artists individually check whether and how a tattoo can be implemented. Well-planned designs can visually incorporate or completely cover the scar structure and often make a big difference.

Medical & aesthetic cover-ups

This form of cover-up includes tattooing after surgery or physical changes. The aim is to make aesthetically disruptive or stressful areas look harmonious again, whether after an operation, an accident or for other medical reasons. Pigmentation disorders or skin discolouration can also be specifically covered in certain cases. The prerequisite is always a well-founded professional assessment of what is medically possible and aesthetically useful.

Reworking old tattoos

Not every old tattoo has to be completely covered up. Sometimes it's enough to revise the original design, whether with new lines, improved shading, or modern colors. This so-called “tattoo restoration” brings old motifs back to shine without completely changing them. The procedure is particularly useful for healed but well-placed tattoos with faded details or unclear contours.

nipple reconstruction

Tattooing a nipple or areola (areola) is one of the most sensitive areas of tattoo art. It is often used after breast surgery, for example as part of a reconstruction following a mastectomy. Here, an image is not simply engraved, but an optical illusion is created that realistically imitates color, shape and depth. Our studio offers this service with the utmost respect, empathy and, upon request, in collaboration with treating doctors.

Our cover-up artists

A cover-up is much more than just covering up an old tattoo. It is one of the most demanding tattoo styles, which requires a lot of experience, creative sensitivity and technical know-how. At Blade & Shade, we specialize in just that. Whether it's covering up faded or unloved motifs, harmoniously integrating old tattoos into new designs, or implementing medical-aesthetic cover-ups such as scars or nipple reconstructions, our team combines craftsmanship with the necessary sensitivity to individual needs.

Each tattoo artist in our team brings their own approach to cover-up tattoos, depending on what the existing tattoo requires and what makes creative sense.

What you should definitely consider when it comes to cover-up tattoos

A cover-up is a creative new start and it must be well thought out. Because under the new motif lies a story that is intended to be covered up, transformed or consciously integrated. For a cover-up tattoo to work well, it requires not only a creative idea, but above all solid experience in working with existing ink, skin texture and color pigments.

Old tattoos often present challenges: irregular lines, faded colors, or scar tissue. The placement and size of the existing tattoo also play an important role, because not everything can simply be “painted over”. That is why proper planning is crucial.

Depending on the initial situation, it may be useful to choose a larger motif or to work specifically with cold shades, graphic elements or shades. In many cases, several sessions are also necessary to achieve the desired effect or to improve details. If the old tattoo is very dark, even partial whitening using laser technology can be helpful beforehand, and we will also give you detailed advice on this.

It is also important that a cover-up requires more patience, both in developing motifs and in healing. The skin has already been tattooed, which influences the absorption of pigment. After pricking, careful care is particularly important to optimally preserve the new motif and give the tissue time to regenerate.

We also pay attention to the highest hygiene standards when it comes to cover-ups. In our studio, we only use tested colors and materials from certified manufacturers. All utensils used are digitally documented and checked so that you can feel completely safe.

We always tattoo from the age of 16. For minors, the consent and presence of a legal guardian is mandatory and we reserve the right to decide individually whether a tattoo is appropriate at this time.

Do you have an old tattoo that doesn't suit you anymore? Or would you like to replace a scar or an old memory with something new? Then talk to us — we'll be happy to advise you, whether in person in the studio or online.