COVER-UP TATTOOS
You found this page, meaning, most likely, you have your own questions about tattoo cover-up, one of the most common problems people end up having with their tattoos. To ease your worries, the short answer is ‘yes’. Most tattoos can be covered. What it takes depends on what’s there now, how dark it is, how big, how deep the ink went. A photo won’t tell Mike any of that. He needs to see it in person. Consultations are free, so book one and let him take a look.
COVER-UP TATTOO VIDEOS
COVER-UP TATTOO SERVICES
A decision to cover up a tattoo comes from a place of dissatisfaction, and it’s based on a different decision somebody made earlier, when that first tattoo was in the works. Maybe you made it. Maybe it was a bad artist, and you’re fixing their work. Whichever one it is, there is no longer room for errors, because a coverup of a coverup isn’t going to be an option for you. Or anyone else. It’s time to clarify the intentions, what will make you happy instead of what you get to live with now, and get crystal clear on it. However, working with a coverup is not the same at all as working with clear skin, and many people fail to realize the difference. In their mind they paint a picture of something that will never work as a cover-up because it was never intended to become one. Now, the old piece sets the rules for the new tattoo, and the rules are unforgiving. Size, darkness, saturation, where it sits — all that dictates what would and what wouldn’t work as a cover-up in your specific case. Same goes for the style, because not every style works equally in the case of the old tattoo. That is why every decision now is more important than ever, and needs to be made based on the suggestions of the experienced cover up artist; therefore, trust in their expertise and abilities becomes the key for a successful cover up tattoo.
WHAT CAN BE COVERED
There’s a good chance your tattoo ‘problem’ is already on this list, because people arrive with the same handful of them. Old work that did not stand the test of age and folded into an unidentified grey mystery stain. Something done badly by a person who had no business holding a machine, and you wished a week later you’d never met them at all. A name that no longer holds meaning to you. Tribal from the 90s that gives everybody a fair chance at guessing your real age. A small piece that made sense when you were 19 and cool as only a 19-year-old can be. But now you are neither that age nor that kind of cool. Plus, it is parked right in the middle of your skin property… Scars that you don’t want to be reminded of. And tattoos that have already been through laser sessions, light enough now to become the beginning of something new.
If your tattoo problem isn’t here, that doesn’t mean it can’t be dealt with. It only means Mike hasn’t looked at it to give you the answer you are looking for.
HOW IT WORKS
The cover-up process starts the same as any custom project we take up. You come in for a consultation – this is the key. Mike looks at the tattoo, and you talk through what’s possible with it. That’s where the factual answers come from, because until he’s seen it, everything else is guesswork. If you decide to go ahead, we book your first appointment and Mike starts on the design after that. You’ll see it a day or two before you come in, and you’ll be asked for feedback.
MEET MIKE METAXA, AUSTIN COVER-UP TATTOO ARTIST
Meet Mike, one of the established and well-known Austin cover-up tattoo artists. When we say Mike is well-known, we mean exactly that. Because, over and over again, he’s been referred to from other tattoo shops for the cover-up projects no other artist would pick up (too unusual, too complicated, too creative, too much anything). Funny enough, in most cases, he doesn’t even know who the referring tattoo shop is, but that’s ok! That way, the most complicated cover up tattoos find their way to him, naturally. With 30+ years of tattooing experience and practicing creativity over and over, very rarely now he says he cannot help. Not that it can’t still happen — after all, he is a great tattoo artist, not a magician! However, for him to turn down a cover up means one of the following things: not enough skin space to work with; your vision of the potential cover-up style or design does not match the reality of what can be done to make it work the way it should; your approach is very partial (cover up this but leave that), therefore making the project impossible. Maybe a couple more reasons, but that’s about it. Mike cannot stress enough time and time again that your tattoo mistake now dictates your cover-up options. Simple as that.
VISIT THE STUDIO
ArtHouse Tattoo is located in North Austin at 15409 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78717.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COVER-UP TATTOOS
Can any tattoo be covered up?
Most tattoos can be covered with the right design approach. Size, darkness, and color of the existing tattoo all factor in — very dark or large pieces sometimes need laser lightening first. Mike Metaxa walks through your options at the consultation.
How long does a cover up tattoo take?
Longer than a standard tattoo, since the artist has to work around and over existing ink. Small cover-ups can run a few hours; larger or more complex ones may take multiple sessions. Mike gives you a real time estimate at the consultation.
Do I need laser removal before a cover up?
Not always. Many tattoos can be covered directly. Very dark or heavily saturated tattoos sometimes benefit from a few laser lightening sessions first, which opens up more color and design options.
What are the age requirements for getting a coverup tattoo in Austin, Texas?
The legal age for getting a coverup tattoo in Austin, Texas, is 18 years of age. You must provide valid government-issued photo identification to verify your age before any tattoo service.
How should I prepare for my coverup tattoo appointment?
Before your coverup tattoo appointment, ensure you are well-rested and have eaten a good meal. Avoid alcohol or blood thinners for 24 hours before your appointment, as they can increase bleeding and affect ink retention. Wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed. Arrive hydrated and bring snacks if you’re having a long session. If you’re covering a tattoo on your arm or leg, wear loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against the fresh tattoo afterward.
What aftercare is needed for a coverup tattoo?
Proper aftercare is crucial for coverup tattoos, especially since they often involve more ink saturation than regular tattoos. Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized following the detailed aftercare instructions provided by your artist. This typically includes gently washing the tattoo 2-3 times daily with mild antibacterial soap, applying a thin layer of aftercare ointment or lotion, and avoiding sun exposure, swimming, or soaking in water for 2-3 weeks. Coverup tattoos may take slightly longer to heal due to the density of ink. Contact your tattoo artist immediately if you notice any signs of infection or have concerns during healing.
Will my old tattoo show through the coverup?
When done by an experienced coverup artist, your old tattoo should not be visible through the new design. Mike uses specialized techniques including strategic color placement, bold linework, and careful composition to ensure complete coverage. However, in some cases, very faint shadows or outlines might be slightly visible upon extremely close inspection, especially with very dark original tattoos. We’ll discuss coverage expectations during your consultation and show you examples of our previous coverup work.
OTHER CUSTOM TATTOO STYLES
In addition to coverup tattoos, ArtHouse Tattoo specializes in:
