If you are unsatisfied with an existing tattoo on your body, tattoo removal is not the only option. Tattoo artists can cover the existing tattoo with a new design to hide the old tattoo. The new tattoo will be a larger size, and depending on the quality of the existing tattoo, may be darker in color. Lighter colors, such as pink, blue or green, cannot cover black. Choose a cover-up design carefully to avoid another cover-up or laser removal in the future.
Tree
The elements that make up a tree can cover-up existing tattoos. From the roots to the leaves on the branches, a tree tattoo has the possibility of color or of being solid black. Large, existing tattoos that are solid black can be hidden primarily with the tree trunk, adding light browns in spots of the trunk that are not hiding the original tattoo. Buds or flowers on the branches of trees, such as cherry blossoms, can cover small or medium tattoos that are light in color. A tree branch covers a name or a word tattoo that has an arch shape. The tattoo artist draws the curves of the branch to flow with the direction of the word or name. Tree tattoos symbolize a new beginning or strength. For example, covering up an existing tattoo of an ex-spouse’s name with a tree design shows that you have left the pain in the past and are experiencing a new beginning.
Birds
The intricate detail of birds’ bodies help to hide old tattoos. Tattoos performed by a non-professional using incorrect ink or pigment are a light blue color instead of black after the healing process. Tattoos of this nature are better candidates for cover-ups than a professional tattoo performed with dark, black ink. The body, head or the wings of a bird can cover an old tattoo. Birds of a dark blue color, such as sparrows, swallows or bluebirds, are an optimal choice to cover an old tattoo with faded blue ink. Bright, professional blue inks will cover the old without the tattoo artist relying on a heavy black outline for the bird image. Crows, eagles and ravens are bird species that will work for cover-up tattoos when heavy black ink is necessary. Whether you are a bird enthusiast or are enamored with the symbolism a bird offers–such as freedom–birds are an option to cover your old tattoo.
Spade
A spade is solid black and usually represents luck, as does the ace of spades when you draw that in a card game. The cover-up design may be a solitary spade or have a playing card design around the spade. Spades work well in a cover-up tattoo for disguising names and circular tattoos, such as a sun. The tapered tip at the top of the spade also makes the design an option for covering up a cross. Solid black tribal work is another design that a spade will cover. Four playing cards, consisting of two aces and two eights represents the “dead man’s hand,” made famous by the shooting and death of Wild Bill Hickok is an option for incorporating a spade into a cover-up tattoo.
