Cover-Up Tattoos in Sandy Springs
Transforming old tattoos into masterpieces
We specialize in custom tattoo cover-ups that completely transform unwanted pieces into works of art.
Book a consultation today and start planning a tattoo you’ll be proud to wear.
Why Planning Your Cover-Up Leads to Better Results
The best cover-ups start with focusing on what you want to wear proudly—not just what you want to hide. By planning ahead, we can design a piece that flows with your body and stands the test of time.
Staying open to size, imagery, and placement gives more creative freedom
Larger designs offer more flexibility and stronger long-term results
Bringing references helps, but expect adjustments to optimize coverage and flow
No ideas yet? Listing themes, symbols, or imagery that resonate with you is a great starting point
Whether you come with detailed ideas or just a starting point, thoughtful planning ensures your new tattoo feels intentional, not like a quick fix.
How to Pick the Best Imagery for Your Cover-Up
Not every tattoo style or design works well for a cover-up. The best results come from imagery that has enough contrast, flow, and depth to disguise the old tattoo while looking intentional and natural on your skin.
Flexibility is key — cover-ups almost always need to be larger than the original piece, and fine-line or super-light designs typically won’t provide enough coverage.
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Koi, snakes, and dragons are effective because their repetitive scales and overlapping bodies break up old lines. Flowers and leaves also work well because leaves can be placed strategically over old ink while the flower sits on nearby untattooed skin.
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Japanese, Illustrative, Traditional, Anime, and Neo-traditional all use bold linework and layered shading that make them reliable choices for cover-ups.
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Rich, saturated tones and darker mid-tones are tools for covering faded ink. Rich greens, blues, and layered color fields can neutralize older pigments. Bright pastels and very light washes rarely cover dark ink on their own; if you want color, plan for richer tones and possible touch-ups. Color behavior also varies by skin tone, so we consider that when choosing palette and saturation.
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Imagery with dense fields of black like manga/anime scenes, pin-up & girlhead hairstyles, panthers, and leaves on flowers work very well for cover-ups.
Cosmic scenes with dark nebulae and stars also allow large dark shapes and texture that disguise underlying ink effectively.
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Very small designs, fine-line-only tattoos, light watercolor styles, and attempts to replace the old tattoo at the exact same size.
Be prepared for your new tattoo to expand beyond the old one in size — this flexibility gives us the best chance at a seamless result.
The goal is to create a tattoo that looks brand new, not patched over.
By following these suggestions and being open to size and design adjustments, we can craft a cover-up that feels authentic, intentional, and built to last.
What Are The Steps To Booking A Cover-Up Tattoo?
For the best cover-up tattoo results, follow these steps:
Gather inspiration
Share your tattoo concept and reference images
Upload photos of your existing tattoo and submit your booking form.
Meet for a consultation and schedule your appointment
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If you don’t have a concept in mind yet, make a simple list of imagery, symbols, or themes that resonate with you.
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Use the booking form to share your concept or inspiration list, and upload reference images
Include any preferences you have, like tattoo style and/or Black and grey, or color.
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Upload 3 to 5 photos: one full shot showing the area, one medium distance, and one close-up. Use natural light, no filters, and a plain background.
These photos help to assess whether laser fading is recommended first, or if we can proceed with a cover-up.
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We’ll meet in person to discuss your concept, make a tracing of your existing tattoo to plan the cover-up, and book your appointment.
If laser fading is recommended prior to your cover-up, you’ll be advised on how much fading is necessary, along with reputable local laser removal providers.
Can Every Tattoo Be Covered? When Laser May Be Needed
Not every tattoo can be concealed in a single cover-up session.
Very dark, dense, or heavily scarred tattoos often need lightening before a successful cover-up is possible. In those cases we will recommend laser sessions first.
Solid black fills and dense shading may limit design options.
Wide, dark outlines across large areas often require lightening.
Significant scarring or raised skin may affect ink uptake and design choices.
If laser is necessary, we will explain options during pre-assessment or consultation.
We can recommend trusted laser providers and suggest timing for rebooking a cover-up after removal.
Ready to Book Your Cover-Up?
Submit your photos and details through the booking form, and we’ll pre-assess your tattoo within 72 hours.
After submission, you’ll receive a link to schedule your appointment (or a consultation first, if more information is required).
Choosing the Right Artist For Your Cover-Up Tattoo
Wes Holland excels in crafting cover-up tattoos that help his clients replace old and unwanted tattoos with new works of art, along with a renewed sense of pride in their tattoo collection.
The best cover-up tattoo artists in Atlanta and worldwide encourage our clients to embrace flexibility regarding the subject matter and size of the new tattoo.
This open-minded approach can lead to stunning results that not only conceal the existing tattoo but elevate it into a captivating piece of art.
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Before you schedule your consultation, take some time to create a list of imagery and motifs that resonate with you. Consider natural and organic subjects such as snakes, koi fish, or floral elements. Japanese, Illustrative, Traditional, Anime, and Neo-traditional styles are all great places to start doing your research.
These designs, images, and motifs not only provide a rich narrative but also work exceptionally well for cover-ups.
For example, the vibrant greens found in the leaves that often accompany flowers are an excellent tool to cover an old tattoo, allowing you to place the flower on the blank un-tattooed skin nearby.
If you prefer a black and grey aesthetic, using organic fields of black and dark grey is the best strategy to ensure the success of your cover-up. Think of the bold hairstyles from classic pin-up art, traditional girl heads, or portraits of loved ones — pets included.
Designs like panthers, black roses, or even space scenes dotted with nebulae and stars lend themselves beautifully to cover-ups, as they can envelop and disguise the underlying tattoo effectively.
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Book your appointment today and start the journey towards a replacing regret with a new work of art you’ll be proud to show off!