Can You Cover Up a Black Tattoo? The Answer is Yes! — Certified Tattoo Studios (2024)

We all make mistakes. Sometimes, those mistakes happen to be in the form of a poorly thought-out tattoo. If you're stuck with a black tattoo that you regret, don't despair!

What Does Tattoo Cover Up Mean?

Cover up tattoos are becoming more and more popular these days. In fact, a cover up tattoo is simply a tattoo that is done over an existing tattoo. This can be done for many reasons, the most common being to cover up an old tattoo that is no longer wanted. It can also be used to cover up a mistake, or to make a tattoo more visible.

However, there are a few things to consider before getting a cover up tattoo.

First, it is important to find a qualified artist who has experience in doing cover ups. Also, the design of the new tattoo should be large enough to cover the old tattoo completely.

It is important to have realistic expectations about the results of the cover up. The old tattoo will still be visible, but it will be much less noticeable.

There Are Ways to Cover Up Even the Darkest of Tattoos

Black tattoos are some of the most difficult to cover up. This is because black ink is very dense and has a large particle size. As a result, black tattoos tend to hold their pigment better than other colors. That said, it is possible to cover up a black tattoo with another tattoo.

Most tattoo lovers often ask “can you cover up a black tattoo with color?”

The answer is yes!

The key to covering up a black tattoo is to choose a color that will contrast well with the black ink. For example, lighter colors such as white, yellow, or light green will stand out against the darkness of the black ink. Darker colors, such as dark green or blue, can also work well for covering up a black tattoo.

It's also important to consider the size of the tattoo you're trying to cover up. A small tattoo can often be covered with another small tattoo. However, if you're trying to cover up a larger tattoo, you may need to get a larger tattoo in order to fully conceal the original design.

How Much Does It Cost?

One common question that people have about black and grey tattoo styles is how much it will cost to cover them up. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the size of the tattoo, the complexity of the design, and the artist's rates.

However, in general, black and grey tattoos tend to be more expensive to cover up than other tattoo styles. This is because black ink is more difficult to remove than other colors, and it often requires multiple sessions to achieve complete coverage.

As a result, if you are considering covering up a black tattoo, it is important to factor in the additional cost of removal.

What Are the Side Effects?

Black is the most popular color for tattoos, but it can also be the most difficult to remove. If you're thinking about coloring over a black tattoo, there are a few things you should know first.

The good news is that black tattoos can be covered with almost any color. However, the bad news is that they can also be more difficult to remove if you later decide you want to get rid of it.

Black ink absorbs more laser energy than lighter colors, so it requires more treatments to completely fade away. In addition, black tattoos tend to leave behind more pigment after each treatment, so they can be more difficult to completely remove.

However, with enough time and patience, almost any tattoo can be removed. So if you're thinking about coloring over a black tattoo, don't let the challenges deter you. Just be sure to go into it with your eyes wide open.

Is It Painful?

One of the most common questions people ask about tattoo cover ups is whether or not they are painful. The short answer is that yes, coloring over a black tattoo does involve some discomfort. However, the level of pain is different for everyone.

Coloring over a black tattoo generally requires more sessions than lighter colors, which means that there is more potential for discomfort. However, many people find that the pain is manageable and well worth the end result.

Ultimately, the best way to gauge how much pain you'll experience is to talk to your artist and ask for their honest opinion.

How Long Does It Take to See Results of Coloring Over Black Tattoos?

One popular option for covering up a tattoo is to color over it with another tattoo. But how long does this process take, and when can you expect to see results?

The answer depends on a few factors, including the size and location of the tattoo, as well as the type of ink used. Smaller tattoos can typically be colored over in one or two sessions, while larger ones may require three or more. The location of the tattoo also makes a difference – tattoos on bone are more difficult to cover than those on fleshier areas.

If you're considering coloring over a black tattoo, you can typically expect to see results after one or two sessions. However, every case is different, so it's important to consult with a professional tattoo artist before making any decisions. With their help, you can find the best solution for your individual needs.

Wrap Up!

If you have a black tattoo that you regret, there's no need to panic! There are ways to cover up even the darkest of tattoos. The key is to choose a color that will contrast well with the black ink. Lighter colors such as white, yellow, or light green will stand out against the darkness of the black ink.

Darker colors, such as dark green or blue, can also work well for covering up a black tattoo. Keep in mind that you may need to get a larger tattoo in order cover up a large original design.

Whichever route you decide to go, know that it is possible to give yourself fresh start with a new tattoo design!

Can You Cover Up a Black Tattoo? The Answer is Yes! — Certified Tattoo Studios (2024)

FAQs

Can You Cover Up a Black Tattoo? The Answer is Yes! — Certified Tattoo Studios? ›

The answer is yes! The key to covering up a black tattoo is to choose a color that will contrast well with the black ink. For example, lighter colors such as white, yellow, or light green will stand out against the darkness of the black ink.

Can tattoo artists cover-up black ink? ›

In conclusion, tattooing over black ink is possible, but requires careful planning, high-quality ink, and proper skin preparation. By following best practices and using the right type of ink, tattoo artists can successfully cover up existing tattoos and provide their clients with the desired look.

What tattoos are hardest to cover? ›

Generally black and darker inked tattoos are the easiest to treat. Followed by reds and warmer colours and then blues and greens. With blues and greens needing a few more treatments. At Goodbye Tattoos, we want only the best for you.

What tattoos can be covered up? ›

Any tattoo can be covered up, although it may need to be faded with laser tattoo removal first (usually only 2-3 sessions required). Even if you have a large, solid black tattoo, a good cover-up tattoo artist will work with you to create a strategy for covering it with a new design you can get excited about.

Can you put white tattoo ink over black? ›

"When getting white over black, just be aware that the tattoo will not be as bright as if it were over fresh skin," Will adds. "[White ink on black tattoos] tend to hold together much better over time when the artwork is pretty bold and graphic.

What color cancels out black tattoo ink? ›

Shades on the opposite end of the color spectrum will neutralize their counterpart. The most commonly used neutralizing color is a deep orange to cancel out the blue and blue-green shades of common tattoo inks. For tattoos with dark black ink, you should use a deep red neutralizer.

Can you paint over black tattoo? ›

You can, but the blank ink under will fade back in in time. It may be better to have the original tattoo lasered off first. Black ink is the easiest to remove with a laser.

How to cover up a large black tattoo? ›

Darker colors, such as dark green or blue, can also work well for covering up a black tattoo. Keep in mind that you may need to get a larger tattoo in order cover up a large original design. Whichever route you decide to go, know that it is possible to give yourself fresh start with a new tattoo design!

How do I know if my tattoo can be covered up? ›

It's important to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before considering a cover up. Covering up a tattoo that is still healing can increase the risk of infection and other complications. Generally, you should wait at least 2-3 months after getting a tattoo before considering a cover up.

Do tattoo cover-ups cost more? ›

Keep in mind that a cover-up tattoo might cost more than the same design on a fresh patch of skin.

Can you put color on top of a black tattoo? ›

Fading for Color-Over

If accenting your blackwork tattoo with color isn't a reasonable option, then you will need to solicit the services of a local studio that provides laser tattoo fading for cover-up. Consider laser tattoo fading to be an evolution of traditional cover-ups and color-overs.

Are some tattoos impossible to cover-up? ›

Faded tattoos are easier to cover than dark tattoos. But the cover-up artist needs to consider the color. The artist will determine whether the old color will show through. Additionally, having more colors in the original piece might make it more challenging to cover.

Can you white out black ink? ›

In a white out tattoo, the goal is to make white stand out against a black tattoo. While it's nearly impossible to put in white ink on top of a black tattoo without it looking at least a little bit grey, you can still make the white lines bolder by: Using ink with a thicker pigment.

Can you tattoo over black pen? ›

Absolutely. My last tattoo was done by a friend of mine, who drew on my leg first with a black Sharpie right before he tattooed over it.

Can tattoo artists cover up anything? ›

The process of getting a cover up is much like any other tattoo: you find a design, talk it over with the artist and book your appointment. The real difference comes with the choice of designs you may have; depending on what you're getting covered certain images may not fit.

What color tattoo ink can you cover up? ›

Colors Use to Conceal a Tattoo
  • Black is a standard color each tattoo artist uses in the cover-ups.
  • You can also find oranges, greens, blues, magentas, and browns when it comes to camouflage.
  • Dark shades of the same color can cover up your tattoo in no time.

Can you tattoo skin color over black? ›

Tattoos are usually darker than the skin tone, at least so that they remain visible on the skin. So, if you get a lighter, skin-colored tattoo over a dark tattoo, the latter will still be visible, and it doesn't look that good either!

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