Can any tattoo be covered up?

Not every tattoo, but most can be covered or reworked with the right design and size. Very dark, saturated or small-area tattoos are hardest. Send photos through Porter for an honest answer.

Does a cover-up have to be bigger than the old tattoo?

Usually, yes. The new design generally needs to be larger and darker than the original so it can fully hide it.

Do I need laser before a cover-up?

Not always. If the old tattoo is very dark, a few laser fading sessions elsewhere can give your artist more design options. We'll tell you if it's worth it.

How do I start a cover-up at Flashover Ink?

Send clear photos of the old tattoo, its size and placement through Porter at web.getporter.io/shop/flashover-ink-tattoo, or call 254-878-9758.

Cover-Up Tattoos Near Fort Hood & Killeen

Outgrown your old ink? Bring it in.

Old names, faded flash, a rushed piece from years ago, or something that just isn't you anymore. A good cover-up doesn't just hide the old tattoo. It gives you a piece you actually want to show off.

Cover-up vs. rework

Cover-up: a new design placed over the old one so the old one disappears.
Rework: keeping the old tattoo and improving it with fresh linework, shading, color or added elements.

Sometimes the best answer is a rework, not a cover-up. We'll tell you straight.

How a cover-up works

Send clear photos of the old tattoo in good light, plus the size and placement, through Porter.
Honest consult. Your artist looks at how dark, large and saturated the old tattoo is and what designs can realistically cover it.
Design. Cover-ups usually need to be larger and darker than the original. Designs with texture, shadow and organic shapes (florals, animals, realism, ornamental work) tend to work best.
Sessions. Larger or darker cover-ups may take more than one session.
Aftercare. Follow the instructions for your exact tattoo.

When a cover-up is hard

Very dark or heavily saturated tattoos, or ones on small areas, can be tough to cover well. Some people do a few laser fading sessions first to lighten the old tattoo. We'll let you know if that would help your project.

Who to book

Our crew includes artists in black and gray realism, color realism, fine line, American traditional and custom work. Choose "First available" on Porter, upload photos of the old tattoo, and we'll match your cover-up to the right artist.

Black and gray or color realism cover-ups: Book Chief
Everyone else, or not sure: Shop booking

Visit Flashover Ink

Flashover Ink Tattoo
821 E Business Hwy 190, Copperas Cove, TX 76522

Phone: 254-878-9758

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM

Walk-ins welcome. Call ahead is advised since we mainly work by appointment and take walk-ins based on availability.

Get directions

Veteran owned, veteran operated.

Frequently asked questions

Can any tattoo be covered up?
Not every tattoo, but most can be covered or reworked with the right design and size. Very dark, saturated or small-area tattoos are hardest. Send photos through Porter for an honest answer.
Does a cover-up have to be bigger than the old tattoo?
Usually, yes. The new design generally needs to be larger and darker than the original so it can fully hide it.
Do I need laser before a cover-up?
Not always. If the old tattoo is very dark, a few laser fading sessions elsewhere can give your artist more design options. We'll tell you if it's worth it.
How do I start a cover-up at Flashover Ink?
Send clear photos of the old tattoo, its size and placement through Porter at web.getporter.io/shop/flashover-ink-tattoo, or call 254-878-9758.

Cover-Up and Rework Tattoos