It’s not uncommon to desire to remove or hide a low-quality tattoo. While there are challenges that come with trying to cover an old tattoo, many people have still found success in doing so and now love their skin again.
Black is one of the most popular colors used to cover up tattoos. It can be easily found in any tattoo shop, and it is said to be somewhat forgiving when trying to cover old work.
If you have a color tattoo that you are not happy with, you may be wondering if it is possible to cover it up with black. The answer to this question is yes – it is possible to cover up a color tattoo with black ink. However, the results will not be as good as if you were to use another color ink. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to cover up a color tattoo with black ink.
Can You Change the Color of an Existing Tattoo?
In short, yes. If you have an existing tattoo that you’re not happy with the color of, it is possible to change the color of your tattoo. This can be done through a process called “tattoo removal” or “tattoo lightening” [1].
Tattoo removal involves using a laser to break up the pigment of your tattoo so that it can be absorbed by your body. Tattoo lightening is a similar process, but instead of using a laser, a bleaching agent is used to break up the pigment.
Both tattoo removal and tattoo lightening are considered to be safe and effective methods for changing the color of an existing tattoo. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these procedures can be quite expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
Because tattoos are usually permanent, you might have difficulty covering them up. Fortunately, your tattoo artist will be more than happy to discuss any limitations with you before starting the cover-up process.
Your tattoo artist is probably used to assist a wide range of people with cover-ups for a variety of reasons. Your tattoo artist may use several methods to provide you with a good outcome depending on the tattoo you want to conceal. Some cover-ups, like those done over words, are simpler than others, such as those done over images.
“Can you repaint an existing tattoo?” is a frequent question when it comes to cover-up sessions. Yes, you can change the color of an already-existing tattoo. It’s possible to cover up brighter ink with darker ink. However, there’s always the chance that your old tattoo will show through your new one if you use darker ink to conceal lighter ink. Your tattoo artist may recommend black ink instead of color inks to hide your colorful tattoo [2].
How to Cover a Tattoo With Another Tattoo:
Covering Color With Color
Tattoos are works of art that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. However, there are times when you may want to cover up your tattoo. Maybe you got a tattoo when you were younger and it doesn’t reflect your current taste or style. Or maybe you just want to try something new.
Whatever the reason, covering up a tattoo is not as simple as getting a new one. You can’t just go over the old tattoo with a new one – the colors will bleed together and create a mess. So how do you cover up a color tattoo with another tattoo?
There are two main ways to cover up a color tattoo: with color or with black. Covering with color is more difficult because you have to find a tattoo that is the right color and shape to cover the old one. But it can be done – and it can look amazing.
As your tattoo artist covers up your old tattoo, they are also depositing new ink into the dermis. This new ink mixes with the already existing colored ink to create a brand-new color – usually with the stronger or darker-colored ink becoming dominant in the mixture. For example, mixing red and blue together would result in purple [3].
There are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing colors. And the results can be stunning. But it’s important to remember that cover-ups are more difficult than getting a new tattoo, so make sure you consult with an experienced tattoo artist before making any decisions.
Covering Color With Black Ink
Covering with black is simpler because black is such a versatile color. It can be used to cover up any color tattoo, no matter what the size or shape. Plus, black tattoos are really popular right now so you’ll be in style.
Using a fresh design with lots of line work might be effective since it will define the original tattoo in distinct ways. When getting a cover-up, keep your focus off on a specific cover-up design. Keep in mind that it’s not like getting a new tattoo; you will have to work with your artist closely to find a design that can cover up your ink properly. It’s a process that takes time, so be patient.
What Colors of Ink Can Be Used in Tattoo Cover-Ups?
The colors of ink that can be used in tattoo cover-ups are black, white, and gray. Black is the most commonly used color because it is the easiest to cover up with another color. White is the second most common color because it can be used to lighten up a dark tattoo. Gray is the third most common color because it can help blend two colors.
Other popular colors of tattoo inks for cover-ups are red, green, and blue. These colors can be used to cover up a wide variety of tattoo colors. Red is a good choice for covering up blue and green tattoos. Green is a good choice for covering up red and blue tattoos. Blue is a good choice for covering up red and green tattoos.
In a tattoo cover-up, you can use other lighter colors. They come in handy when the color being hidden is also light. Also, these colors can be used in new additions to the tattoo design that do not fully cover up the old tattoo image.
Here’s a tip: A darker shade of a color can usually cover itself. So, for instance, lime green can be covered with emerald green and light blue with royal blue or purple [4].
Is It Better to Get a Color or Black Tattoo?
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, you might be wondering whether it’s better to get a color tattoo or a black one. There are pros and cons to both kinds of tattoos, and ultimately it’s up to you to decide which is right for you. If you’re looking for something that will be easy to cover up, though, black might be the way to go.
Black tattoos are much easier to cover up than colored tattoos. If you have a black tattoo that you don’t like, you can simply get another tattoo over it. The same can’t necessarily be said for color tattoos – if you don’t like your color tattoo, it might be difficult to find another tattoo artist who can cover it up with something that you do like.
That being said, black tattoos can be more difficult to remove than colored tattoos. If you’re not sure that you’ll like your tattoo in the long run, it’s worth considering a color tattoo instead. Color tattoos can also be more vibrant and eye-catching than black tattoos, so if you’re looking for something that will stand out, a color tattoo might be the way to go.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to get a color or black tattoo is up to you. Consider your style and what you’re hoping to achieve with your tattoo before making a decision. Whichever kind of tattoo you choose, make sure that you find an experienced artist who can give you the look that you want.
Can You Fully Cover Up a Dark Tattoo?
The short answer is no, you can’t fully cover up a dark tattoo with black ink. Black ink will make the tattoo appear darker, but it won’t completely cover it up. If you’re looking to cover up a dark tattoo, your best bet is to go with a light-colored tattoo or get a touch-up from your artist.
The size of the design or the amount of dark ink saturation may be a deterrent, but you can get a dark tattoo cover-up from a skilled tattoo artist that you’ll be satisfied with. Cover-up tattoos, on the other hand, are not as straightforward as painting over a canvas since a tattoo cover-up is more like Photoshop in which the old tattoo serves as a backdrop for the new artwork [5].
By incorporating different colors, depths, shadings, and details into a design, the tattoo artist can either give an old design new life or create something so striking that it commands all attention.
The major aspects of any dark tattoo cover-up are the degree of saturation in the design, the size of the area you wish to conceal, and your willingness to accept whatever result you get. The tattoo artist may generally utilize the existing tattoo as a basis for the new artwork. For example, white ink over black art provides a vast area of dark ink with more interesting detail and depth.
If you’re set on covering up your dark tattoo with black ink, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- First, it’s important to find an experienced tattoo artist who can execute the cover-up properly;
- Second, be prepared to get multiple sessions, as it may take several attempts to fully cover the tattoo;
- And finally, be patient – it may take some time for the black ink to fully settle into your skin and blend with the original tattoo;
How Dark is the Original Black Tattoo and What Colors are Used?
The darkness of the original black tattoo can depend on several factors, such as how old it is, how many times it’s been touched up, and what inks were used. If the tattoo is fairly new and/or has been well-maintained, it will likely be a very dark black. If the tattoo is older and/or has been neglected, it might be more of grayish-black [6].
There are also different types of inks that can be used for black tattoos. Some inks are made with carbon or soot, which gives them a darker color. Other inks use iron oxide, which produces a more rusty-looking black.
No matter what type of ink was used for the original tattoo, it can usually be covered up with a black tattoo. The only exception might be if the original tattoo was very light-colored or used pastel inks. In these cases, it might be necessary to use a darker color to completely cover up the old tattoo.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Necessary Before I Get a Cover Up?
Laser tattoo removal is not necessary before you get a cover-up tattoo. However, it can help to lighten the color of your tattoo so that the new tattoo will show up better. If you are unsure about whether or not you want to remove your old tattoo, you can always consult with a tattoo artist before making a decision.
Fading a tattoo makes the old one more difficult to disguise. Hard angles are less likely to show through a new tattoo since lasers soften and break up hard edges.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to cover up a color tattoo with black ink:
- First, black ink is much denser than other colors, so it will require more sessions to fully cover up your old tattoo;
- Second, black ink can be more difficult to remove later on down the road if you decide to change your mind about the new tattoo;
- Finally, make sure to consult with a tattoo artist before getting a cover-up tattoo, as they will be able to advise you on the best course of action;
FAQ:
- Can you cover a red tattoo with black?
The short answer is yes. If you have a tattoo that is too light, has lost its color, or you simply don’t like the design anymore, black ink can be used to cover it up. Keep in mind that black will make your tattoo appear darker than the original tattoo.
If your tattoo is multicolored, you may want to consider using a single color to cover it up. Black is a good option because it can help blend colors and make them appear less bright. You may also want to consider using a dark green or blue to cover up your tattoo. These colors can help give your tattoo a more natural look.
Tattoo removal is another option if you’re not happy with your tattoo. However, this option is usually more expensive and painful than getting a cover-up tattoo. If you decide to get your tattoo removed, make sure to see a qualified professional who can safely remove your tattoo.
- Can black cover any tattoos?
The simple answer is yes, black can cover any tattoos.
However, there are some caveats to keep in mind when considering this option:
- First, black will make your tattoo appear smaller. If your tattoo is already small, covering it with black may cause it to disappear completely;
- Second, black may not be the best color to use if you’re looking to cover up a brightly colored tattoo. The darker the tattoo, the more likely it is that black will be able to effectively cover it up;
- Finally, keep in mind that covering up a tattoo with black won’t make it disappear completely – it will still be visible under certain lighting conditions (e.g., ultraviolet light);
- Is there a cream to remove tattoos?
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and hydroquinone are used to lighten skin. TCA removes the top layer of skin and penetrates some of the deeper layers to fully remove most of that tattoo ink. Hydroquinone is a skin brightener and lightening lotion that reduces melanin in the epidermis. It is more gentle than TCA, but it will still remove some tattoo ink [7].
These treatments can lighten the skin around your tattoo so that it becomes less visible. They can also help to fade the tattoo itself. However, they are not effective at completely removing a tattoo. If you want to get rid of your tattoo completely, you will need to get it surgically removed or use laser removal treatment.
Laser removal is the most effective way to remove a tattoo. It works by breaking up the ink pigments in your skin with pulses of intense light. The broken-up ink is then absorbed by your body and eventually fades away over time. Laser removal usually requires multiple sessions to be effective, and it can be quite expensive.
Surgical removal is a more invasive option, but it can be very effective at completely removing a tattoo. The surgeon will make an incision in your skin and then use a scalpel to remove the tattooed area of your skin. This method is often quite painful and can leave scarring. It is also quite expensive and usually requires multiple sessions to remove the tattoo completely.
- What tattoo colors last longest?
Dark colors like black and grey will last the longest, as they are dense and bold. Vibrant colors fade faster, especially those light shades used in watercolors. Reds, oranges, and yellows are the most likely to lose their intensity quickly. Green is also known to fade faster than other colors [8].
If you want your tattoo to last a long time, it’s best to stick with dark colors like black or grey. If you want something more vibrant, be aware that it might not stay that way for very long. You may need to touch up your tattoo more often if you choose a light color or one that is known to fade quickly.
- How can I darken my tattoo?
If you’re looking to darken your tattoo, there are a few things you can try. You can use a black tattoo cover-up, or you can try using a darker shade of the same color. If you’re trying to cover up a color tattoo with black, it’s important to remember that black is not an opaque color. This means that it will not completely cover up the tattoo beneath it.
You may need to apply multiple layers of black tattoo cover-up to achieve the desired effect. If you’re not sure how many layers you’ll need, it’s best to consult with a professional tattoo artist. They will be able to help you determine the best course of action for your specific tattoo.
- Can you tattoo white over the color?
The simple answer is yes, you can tattoo white over color.
However, there are a few things to consider before making this decision:
- The first is that white ink is not as opaque as black ink. This means that if your goal is to completely cover up the existing tattoo, it may not be possible to do so with white ink alone. You may need to use a combination of black and white inks to achieve complete coverage;
- Another thing to consider is the contrast between your skin tone and the tattoo ink. If you have a very light skin tone, using white ink may result in a halo effect around the tattoo. On the other hand, if you have a darker skin tone, the white ink may not show up as well. In this case, using black ink may be a better option;
- Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use white ink to cover up a color tattoo comes down to personal preference. If you want completely opaque coverage, you may need to use both black and white inks. If you don’t mind a little bit of the existing tattoo showing through, then white ink may be a good option for you. Experiment with different combinations of inks until you find the one that works best for you;
- Why do people get blackout tattoos?
There are several reasons why people may choose to get blackout tattoos. For some, it is simply a matter of preference. They may prefer the look of a completely black tattoo or they may want to use black ink to cover up an existing tattoo.
For others, getting a blackout tattoo may be seen as a way of starting over. Blackout tattoos can be used to cover up old, unwanted tattoos. This can be especially helpful for people who have made mistakes in the past and are looking for a fresh start.
If you are considering getting a blackout tattoo, it is important to discuss your goals and expectations with your artist beforehand. This will help them create a design that meets your needs and gives you the results you are looking for.
- Can you cover a black tattoo with skin-colored ink?
You might be able to, depending on the tattoo’s size and location. If the tattoo is small and located in an area that can be easily covered with clothing, you may be able to cover it up with skin-colored ink. However, if the tattoo is large or located in a visible area, it will be more difficult to cover up. You may need to consult with a tattoo artist to see if covering up your tattoo is possible.
Keep in mind that covering up a tattoo is not always easy. It can be costly and time-consuming. If you’re considering covering up a tattoo, make sure you do your research and consult with a professional before making any decisions.
- Can you add shading to an old tattoo?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the tattoo. If your tattoo is small and has minimal colors, then shading it with black ink may be a good way to cover it up. However, if your tattoo is large or has multiple colors, then adding shading may not be enough to cover it up completely. In this case, you may need to consider getting a new tattoo altogether.
If you’re considering adding shading to an old tattoo, be sure to consult with a professional tattoo artist first. They will be able to assess your tattoo and determine whether or not shading is the best option for you.
Keep in mind that adding shading to an old tattoo can be a bit of a tricky process. It’s important to make sure that the artist knows what they’re doing to avoid any further damage to your skin.
- Can a solid black tattoo be covered up?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the tattoo. If your tattoo is small and has light colors, you can probably cover it up with a black tattoo.
However, if your tattoo is large or has dark colors, it will be more difficult to cover up. You may need to get a new tattoo that covers the old one completely. Talk to your tattoo artist about your options.
- Can you cover up a black tattoo with makeup?
It’s a common question, and the answer is yes… most of the time. If your tattoo is small and has solid black ink, you can probably cover it up with some heavy-duty concealer. However, if your tattoo is larger or has any color in it, you’ll likely need to use a foundation or primer specifically designed for covering tattoos.
There are a few products on the market that claim to be able to completely cover up tattoos, but they usually don’t work very well. Unless you’re willing to experiment with a lot of different products, it’s probably best to just accept that you won’t be able to cover your tattoo perfectly. But with a little bit of effort, you should be able to significantly reduce the visibility of your tattoo.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, you might want to consider getting your tattoo removed. There are several different methods available, and most of them are quite effective. However, removal can be expensive and it can take several sessions to completely remove a tattoo. So, if you’re not ready to commit to removal, covering up your tattoo is probably the best option.
Useful Video: Cover up tattoo time lapse
References:
- https://removery.com/blog/tattoo-lightening/
- https://inkartbykate.com/with-pictures-can-a-color-tattoo-be-made-black/
- https://tatring.com/fixing-hiding-tattoos/How-To-Coverup-an-Old-or-Bad-Tattoo
- https://tatring.com/fixing-hiding-tattoos/How-To-Coverup-an-Old-or-Bad-Tattoo
- https://removery.com/blog/dark-tattoo-cover-up/
- https://www.grafixfather.com/blog/can-you-color-over-a-black-tattoo/
- https://laserallclinic.com/tattoo-removal-cream
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/tattoo-colors