Tattoo Cover-Up Guide
How to Transform Old Ink into New Art
Thinking about reworking an old tattoo?
This guide from Lightwork Tattoo in Sandy Springs explains what’s possible, what to expect, and how to plan the best cover-up for your skin and style.
Why Planning Your Cover-Up Leads to Better Results
Successful cover-ups start with more than just hiding an old tattoo — they’re about creating a piece you’ll want to wear proudly.
Openness to size, imagery, and placement = stronger results.
Larger designs allow for more creativity & lasting coverage.
References help, but expect adjustments for flow and fit.
No ideas yet? Make a theme list (symbols, imagery that resonate with you) as a 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 Choose the Right Imagery for a Cover-Up
The right design elements disguise the old tattoo seamlessly, while flowing with the body. Not every style works — here’s what does:
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Koi, snakes, and dragons use repetitive scales to disguise old tattoos.
Flowers & leaves work because leaves can mask the old tattoo while the flower sits on clean skin.
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Japanese, Illustrative, Traditional, Anime, and Neo-Traditional use bold lines & shading, ideal for cover-ups.
Portraits can work depending on the placement - Black hair is great for covering smaller tattoos.
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Rich greens, blues, and mid-tones are excellent for masking older pigments.
Lighter tones (pastels, washes) only work on blank skin.
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Designs with dense black shading are best, think:
Anime/manga,
Dark hair textures (girl heads, portraits)
Panthers, black roses, and space scenes
What usually works
Large-scale work, with bold shading
Dense colors and solid Black & grey
What doesn’t work
Small designs
Fine-line only tattoos
Light watercolor styles
Trying to match the old tattoo’s size.
Expect your new tattoo to be larger for the best results.
Can Every Tattoo Be Covered? When Laser May Be Needed
Some tattoos need lightening before we can create a seamless cover-up.
Large-scale tattoos (half-sleeves and larger)
Solid black fills or heavy shading
Large, dark outlines across wide areas
Tattoos with significant scarring
If laser fading is necessary, we’ll guide you on how many sessions are likely and recommend trusted local providers.
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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Start with themes, imagery, or styles that resonate with you.
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Use our booking form to upload references and style preferences.
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Submit 3–5 clear photos in natural light (wide, medium, close-up).
These help us determine whether laser fading is needed.
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Meet in-person at the studio to discuss your design, make tracings of your existing tattoo, and book your session(s).
Final design is shown on the date of your tattoo appointment.
See More Cover-Up Transformations
Browse real examples of successful tattoo cover-ups by our artists
Choosing the Right Artist For Your Cover-Up Tattoo
Not every tattoo artist can execute a flawless cover-up. Wes Holland specializes in transforming old tattoos into custom pieces that look intentional and flow naturally with your body.
Why work with Wes:
Experienced with complex and dense tattoos
Designs custom pieces to fit your vision and placement
Skilled in a variety of styles: Japanese, Illustrative, Black & Grey, and Color
Provides honest guidance, including laser recommendations if needed
Ready to Transform Your Tattoo?
Submit your tattoo photos and details today.
Wes’ll review your request within 72 hours and send next steps to book your consultation.