If you saw the 90s theres a chance you’ve got a tattoo you’re thinking about getting covered up. Perhaps an awkward Chinese character you thought mean into “fire” (because you’re an Aries!) actually translates closer to “BBQ lamb shoulder”. Although many of us wear these nostalgic mementos with pride, sometimes you just want to see them gone. So what are your options? Can tattoos be covered up? Can tattoos be removed? Do I have to cut my skin off? I don’t even eat lamb! Help!
Husband hands!?
The answer is yes.. sort of, mostly. We are lucky enough to live in a day and age that we do not have to keep the tattoos we can’t stand on our bodies forever. We have options now! One of these options is a cover up. However there are a few rules and guidelines when it comes to cover up tattoos that you should know.
Certain styles work really, really well as cover ups. Generally speaking, your best options are American/western traditional, Japanese and heavy blackwork. Tattoos have to bright, bold and solid in order for ink to cover up the existing tattoo underneath. Also, the tattoo will usually have to be quite a lot bigger than the original for full coverage. It’s important to consult with an artist to plan it out properly, to make sure you’re on the same page and it can physically be done. Our artists who specialise in these styles are super good at covering up tattoos, and are more than happy to talk to clients about what can work.
Certain tattoo styles such as realism, fine line and pattern work such as Ta Moko are a little trickier, as these styles usually require a lot of negative skin space to be effective. Due to this, our artists who specialise in these styles rarely do cover ups.
Somke weed everyday.
If something with more negative space such as Ta Moko is what you’re really wanting, and no other style will do, don’t give up hope! The best thing is to talk with an artist who specialises in your chosen style, and talk to them about the tattoo you want covered up. They may suggest laser lightening treatment for the tattoo, which will (over time) blast away and lighten the pigment in the skin. During the course of your treatment, keep in touch with your artist and when it’s lightened enough you can get the tattoo you have always wanted without any restrictions in terms of style. Laser, however, is not an instant and quick fix, it does take time. So patience is necessary!
So if you’re thinking about getting a cover up, do some research into styles that work really well, take some photos of the existing piece and get in touch to organise a consultation to make a plan with an artist. If the style you’re into is known to be a bit more tricky, get in touch with the artist anyway as they will advise you the best course of action. Don’t be discouraged, every tattoo is different and there is generally a solution for every tattoo mishap! Sunset Tattoo is here to help you get the tattoo of your dreams :)
Mermaid by Sunset Tattoo resident artist Milky - American traditional works really well to cover existing tattoos!
Contact:
www.sunsettattoo.co.nz
info@sunsettattoo.co.nz
(+649)3763423