Cover-Ups
Transform old, faded, or regrettable tattoos into fresh artwork you'll love. Alex specializes in cover-up designs that completely conceal unwanted ink.
Cover-ups require more skill than standard tattoos. The artist must work with existing pigment, skin texture, and placement limitations. Alex at A.R TATTOOS has perfected techniques to hide old tattoos under bold new designs that look natural and intentional.
The process starts with consultation. Alex examines your existing tattoo, discusses what you want covered, and sketches design options that work with your skin's current state. Dark ink needs darker coverage. Light, faded tattoos offer more flexibility. He'll tell you what's possible before you commit.
Design matters more in cover-ups than fresh tattoos. Alex uses strategic shading, color blocking, and composition to draw eyes away from old lines. Popular cover-up styles include florals, geometric patterns, animals, and traditional designs with heavy black work. The goal is making people forget something was ever there.
Timing affects results. Older tattoos fade naturally over time, making them easier to cover. If your tattoo is fresh and you want it gone, laser removal sessions can lighten the ink first. Alex works with clients on realistic timelines based on their specific situation.
Clients come to A.R TATTOOS in Brookshire from Katy, Sealy, and throughout West Houston for cover-up work. The shop's 5-star rating across 209 reviews reflects Alex's attention to detail and ability to deliver designs that exceed expectations. One client had a full redo before her wedding and called the result beautiful.
Call (832) 983-2240 to schedule a cover-up consultation at 4107 5th Street in Brookshire. Bring photos of your existing tattoo and any reference images for new designs. Alex will walk you through options, pricing, and what to expect during the process.
Cover-Ups — FAQ
Can any tattoo be covered up?
Most tattoos can be covered with the right design approach. Very dark or large pieces may need laser lightening first. Alex evaluates each tattoo individually during consultation and recommends the best path forward based on ink density, size, and location.
How much bigger does a cover-up need to be?
Cover-ups typically need to be 1.5 to 2 times larger than the original tattoo. This allows enough space for strategic shading and design elements that fully conceal old lines. Alex designs within reasonable size increases to keep proportions natural.
Do cover-ups cost more than regular tattoos?
Cover-ups require more design time and technical skill, which affects pricing. The final cost depends on the complexity of hiding existing ink and the size of the new design. Alex provides exact quotes during consultation after seeing your current tattoo.
How long does a cover-up take to heal?
Healing time matches standard tattoos: 2 to 4 weeks for surface healing, up to 3 months for complete healing beneath the skin. Cover-ups may involve more ink saturation, so following aftercare instructions matters. Alex provides detailed care guidelines after your session.