I want to talk about a question I get asked a lot in the studio: “Can I use a watercolour tattoo to cover up my old ink?” It’s a fascinating topic because cover-ups are an art form in themselves, requiring creativity, skill, and sometimes a bit of patience. If you’ve been thinking about covering an old tattoo with something vibrant and artistic, like a watercolour piece, keep reading to make a conscious choice.
Do Watercolour Tattoos Work as Cover-Ups?
Watercolour tattoos are known for their soft, airy, and abstract designs. They often feature splashes of colour, gradients, and flowing patterns that mimic brushstrokes. While these elements are stunning, they might not always provide the dense coverage needed to fully hide an old tattoo, especially if the existing ink is dark or heavily detailed.
That said, watercolour tattoos can work as cover-ups in some cases, but only with the right planning. Integrating watercolour elements with stronger lines, deeper tones, or an underlying design allows the old tattoo to merge seamlessly with the new piece.
How Do Cover-Ups Work?
A cover-up tattoo doesn’t erase the old ink but works by blending the existing design into a new one. Tattoo ink sits in the dermis (the second layer of your skin), so the old ink is always there, but the new tattoo layers on top of it, masking the original piece.
Some tattoos are easier to cover than others, depending on factors like:
• Size: Small tattoos are generally simpler to conceal than large or detailed ones.
• Fading: Older tattoos that have faded over time are much easier to cover than fresh, vibrant ink.
• Colour: Light-coloured or pastel tattoos are easier to cover than solid black or dark designs.
• Simplicity: Simple designs with minimal detail are less challenging to mask compared to intricate, heavily shaded tattoos.
If your tattoo doesn’t fall into one of these categories, don’t worry! There are ways to improve your chances of getting an excellent cover-up, like lightening the tattoo with laser removal (keep reading).
What is the hardest colour to cover?
Different ink colours have varying levels of difficulty when it comes to concealment, but the hardest to cover is surely black ink.
Black ink presents a unique challenge, it can only be effectively covered by more black ink. This might sound surprising, but the reason is quite simple: black ink is exceptionally pigmented and opaque, which gives it the ability to overshadow most other colours.
While some artists might attempt to use darker shades to cover black, they often find it difficult to achieve clean results. Lighter colours simply cannot hold against a black tattoo; the darkness will overpower them, frequently requiring several layers to achieve any hint of coverage. Even with layering, the original black may still peek through.
Therefore, I usually recommend using black ink to cover other black tattoos, as this maintains clarity and definition in the design.
Instead of obscuring the black entirely, I prefer to incorporate it into a new design thoughtfully, creating something that feels intentional rather than just an afterthought.
Tips for a Successful Cover-Up
Whether you’re dreaming of a watercolour cover-up or another style, here are my expert tips to get the best results:
1. Choose an Experienced Artist
Cover-ups are tricky, so pick an artist who understands how to blend the old tattoo into the new design seamlessly.
2. Be Open to Ideas
Your old tattoo will influence the possibilities for your cover-up. Trust your artist’s suggestions on style, colour, and placement to achieve the best outcome.
3. Consider Laser Fading
If your old tattoo is too bold or dark, a few laser sessions can make a world of difference.
4. Opt for a Larger Design
Cover-ups often require a larger design than the original tattoo to ensure complete coverage and balance.
5. Be Patient
Whether it’s waiting for laser fading or working through multiple sessions, good cover-ups take time. Don’t rush the process, it’s worth it!
Can Laser Removal Help with Cover-Ups?
Yes! Laser tattoo removal can be a game changer for cover-ups, especially for dark or stubborn tattoos. The goal isn’t always to completely remove the tattoo but to lighten it enough to make a cover-up more flexible.
By fading the old tattoo, you open up more possibilities for designs, colours, and styles, including watercolour tattoos. It’s like giving your artist a cleaner canvas to work with.
If you’re considering laser removal, consult with your tattoo artist first. We can help you decide if it’s necessary and guide you on the next steps.
A Few Things to Know About Laser Removal:
• It takes multiple sessions to achieve significant fading, so patience is key.
• Black ink is the easiest to lighten, while coloured inks may take more time.
• Make sure to choose a reputable laser specialist who understands tattoo removal.
. Lasers come in various types, each operating differently. Consult with your artist to determine the best choice for the desired cover-up result.
Final Thoughts: Can Watercolour Tattoos Cover Old Ink?
Watercolour tattoos can work as cover-ups, but they’re most effective when paired with other techniques like bold linework or darker shading. Every tattoo is unique, and the success of a cover-up depends on factors like size, colour, and age of the original ink.
At the end of the day, the key to a great cover-up is collaboration. Share your vision with your artist, stay open to their suggestions, and don’t be afraid to explore options like laser removal for better results.
If you’re ready to transform your old tattoo into a stunning new piece, I’d love to help bring your ideas to life.
Lavale