Covering a Tattoo

Are you interested in covering a tattoo? Many people interested in tattoos find it a lot easier to cover up an older piece than to pay for the painful removal process. Perhaps you have a tattoo that was poorly done or one you just don't like anymore? Keep reading for advice and ideas on covering a tattoo.

Tattoos are permanent markings that some people choose to get. The process is done by using a tattoo gun to place pigment into the dermis of the skin. The dermis is the layer of tissue that lays beneath the epidermis. After getting a tattoo, the outer layers of skin absorb some of the pigment and begin to heal. Because the body initially treats the tattoo as an infection, tattoos are permanent.

Tattoos can be removed in a costly and painful procedure. The process uses lasers to break down the ink so that it will be absorbed by the body. Darker colors (such as black and dark blues) can be removed easily but light or brighter colors (such as pastels or yellow) are much harder to remove. In fact, tattoo removal procedures may not get rid of a tattoo completely and can cause scarring. Some tattoo colors can break down into toxic chemicals during tattoo removal and can't be removed because of it.

A lot of people elect to cover up an old tattoo instead of going through the effort to remove it. You might be interested in covering up a tattoo if:

• You have an old tattoo that you got when you were young and don't like anymore
• You have a tattoo that was poorly etched on to your body.
• You would love to get a certain type of tattoo but already have ink in the way of where you would like to get it.
• The tattoo you already have has its lost meaning.
• You don't like the design or pattern of your tattoo anymore.

Whatever your reason, covering tattoos is quite common and more and more people are doing it.

If you're considering trying to cover up a former tattoo with another, here are some tips to make the process easier for you.

• Covering up old pieces of ink can take time; sometimes several sessions to make sure it is done right. Be sure to prepare for the time you'll need to put into it.
• If you're covering a piece up due to dislike or the piece losing it's meaning, put time into making sure your newest tattoo will matter to you.
• Many tattoo artists are now using the 'white out technique' for covering up tattoos. The process includes going over darker colored tattoos with white ink in order to try and lighten up the coloring. The technique can take several session to be done effectively.
• Scarring can occur more easily when covering up a tattoo than when getting a brand new one.
• Because of the nature of covering up a tattoo, it is highly likely you'll need touch ups to make sure the old piece doesn't shine through your new tattoo.

• Small tattoos are the easiest to cover. You can also incorporate a smaller tattoo into a larger piece. Doing so would be easier than working to cover up the piece.
• Tattoo ink can be transparent. Consider colors that will match your previous piece well in the event it shines on through.
• If you're had smaller pieces done on your back that you'd like to cover up for whatever reason, consider getting a larger piece done to cover, such as in the below example.

Before	After

You can still see traces of the old tattoo in the 'after' photo. Sometimes, this is the best that can be done.

• Free Chinese Zodiac Tattoos
• Day of the Dead Tattoo Ideas
• Cartilage Piercing Gallery
• How Many Tattoos Are Too Many?
• Celebrity Tattoo Quiz

• Wrist Tattoos
• Design Your Own Tattoos
• Star Tattoos
• Angel Wing Tattoos
• Celebrity Tattoo Pictures

• Fluorescent Tattoo Ink
• Tattoo Removal
• Tattoo of Two Praying Hands
• Where Is the Tattoo Shop LA Ink Located
• Miami Ink Tattoo Shop