A cover-up is a new tattoo created over an existing one. It’s both a creative and technical process that must be planned and executed carefully to work effectively. Old lettering, impulsive youthful choices, mismatched symbols, or poorly executed tattoos can be a burden. A well-planned cover-up gives you the opportunity to leave those marks behind and replace them with a new, fitting design.
Before developing a new concept, our artists at Blade & Shade take a close look at your existing tattoo. We assess which colors are still visible, how deep the original ink lies in the skin, and how the tattoo’s texture might affect the new design. From there, we create a new motif that not only reliably covers the old tattoo, but also delivers aesthetically.
A successful cover-up requires experience, a keen eye for proportion and color, and the skill to creatively integrate existing elements. Often, bold, high-contrast designs work best to completely conceal the original tattoo. However, depending on the skin and reference design, more delicate styles can be used—provided the composition and color palette are well planned.
We’re also happy to advise you if a laser lightening treatment would make sense prior to your cover-up. This is particularly useful for very dark or large areas that limit design possibilities. It helps us create the ideal conditions for your new tattoo.
If you’re considering reworking an old tattoo or you're still unsure of your options, we’re happy to consult with you personally. Together, we’ll explore what’s possible and create a design that aligns with your vision—and stands the test of time.
Not all cover-ups are the same. Depending on the starting point, skin condition, and your personal goals, there are different ways to redesign an old tattoo or an unwanted area of skin. At Blade & Shade, we have extensive experience with a variety of approaches—from classic coverage to sensitive medical solutions.
Here are the most important styles:
A classic cover-up fully conceals an existing tattoo with a new design. The goal is to integrate or neutralize the old image so that it’s no longer visible, without sacrificing aesthetics or individuality.
The new design is tailored to the situation: shape, depth, colors, and style must all work in harmony. Strong outlines, dynamic shapes, and deliberate contrasts are often used to ensure long-lasting coverage—but more refined styles are possible as well, depending on the original tattoo.
Tattooing over scars requires a particularly sensitive approach—both in technique and design. It’s often not just about covering, but also about healing, reclaiming, and self-empowerment. Depending on the type, location, and structure of the scar, our artists will determine individually whether and how a tattoo can be applied. Well-designed motifs can either incorporate or completely conceal the scar texture—often with powerful emotional impact.
This category includes tattooing after surgical procedures or physical changes. The aim is to bring aesthetic harmony to areas that may cause distress—after surgery, an accident, or for other medical reasons. In some cases, pigment disorders or skin discoloration can also be effectively concealed. A professional evaluation is always essential to determine what’s medically possible and aesthetically sensible.
Not every old tattoo needs to be fully covered. Sometimes, it’s enough to revise the original—through updated linework, improved shading, or modern color choices. This process, known as “tattoo restoration,” gives old designs new life without completely replacing them. It’s especially effective for well-positioned tattoos with faded or blurry details.
Tattooing a nipple or areola is one of the most sensitive areas of tattoo artistry. It is often performed following breast surgery—such as reconstruction after mastectomy. The goal is not to apply a design, but to create an optical illusion that realistically mimics the color, shape, and depth of the natural anatomy. Our studio provides this service with the utmost respect, compassion, and—if desired—in cooperation with your medical team.
A cover-up is far more than just masking an old tattoo. It’s one of the most challenging forms of tattooing—requiring creativity, sensitivity, and a high level of technical skill. At Blade & Shade, this is our specialty.
Whether it’s concealing faded or unwanted designs, blending old tattoos into a new concept, or applying medical-aesthetic tattoos like scar coverage or nipple reconstruction—our team combines craftsmanship with a deep understanding of individual needs.
Each of our artists brings their own unique approach to cover-up tattoos, based on what the existing tattoo requires and what makes sense artistically.
A cover-up is a creative new beginning—and it needs to be well considered. Beneath the new image lies a story that must be concealed, transformed, or purposefully integrated. For a cover-up tattoo to work, it takes more than just a creative idea—it requires professional experience in working with existing ink, skin texture, and pigmentation.
Old tattoos can pose a range of challenges: uneven lines, faded colors, scar tissue. Placement and size of the existing tattoo also play an important role—not everything can simply be “painted over.” That’s why careful planning is essential.
Depending on the situation, it may make sense to choose a larger design or work with cool tones, graphic elements, or shading. In many cases, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the desired effect or refine certain details. For very dark tattoos, partial laser lightening may be useful beforehand—we’re happy to advise you on this as well.
Also important: a cover-up requires patience—both in the design process and in healing. The skin has already been tattooed, which affects how it takes new pigment. Aftercare is especially important to preserve the new design and allow the skin time to regenerate.
As always at Blade & Shade, we maintain the highest hygiene standards. Our studio exclusively uses certified inks and materials from approved manufacturers. All tools and processes are digitally documented and quality-checked—so you can feel completely confident.
We tattoo clients from age 16 and up. For minors, written consent and the presence of a legal guardian are mandatory, and we reserve the right to assess whether a tattoo is appropriate at that point in time.
Are you carrying an old tattoo that no longer reflects who you are? Or would you like to replace a scar or memory with something new? Talk to us—we’re happy to advise you, either in person or online.
