Cover-up Tattoo
Leave it behind.
Got an old tattoo you don't love anymore? Most of the time we can cover it with a strong new design — no months of laser needed. That's a cover-up, and at our studio in Beşiktaş, Istanbul it starts from ₺5,000. First we look at a photo and tell you honestly whether it can be covered; then we design a new piece that hides the old one and suits you. We cover healed scars and surgery marks the same way.
A cover-up tattoo places a new design over an existing one. Successful cover-ups require a custom design tailored to the old tattoo's colour, size and density.
Example Work
Who is it for?
Those unhappy with an old tattoo who want to transform it with a new, stronger piece.
Heads up
Very heavy solid-black old tattoos may benefit more from laser + cover-up combination than cover-up alone.
How it works
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1
Send a photo
Send a clear photo of the old tattoo on WhatsApp for a quick first assessment.
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2
Free assessment
We look under studio light: can it be covered, is laser needed, which design works — we tell you straight.
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3
New design
We draw a new design that hides the old work and suits you.
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4
Cover-up session
If the design's ready we can start the same day; heavy, dark pieces may need more than one session.
Preparation
Bring a clear photo of the existing tattoo. The artist will want to see it before designing.
Pain Level
Previously tattooed skin is often slightly more sensitive.
Laser removal vs. cover-up
Both get rid of an old tattoo, but differently. Want it covered fast in one go? A cover-up. Want the tattoo fully gone and clean skin? Laser — a long, costly process. In most cases a good cover-up is enough.
Cover-up
- Result in one or a few sessions
- Turns the old work into a new design
- More affordable
- Can start the same day
Laser removal
- Months of multiple sessions
- Removes the tattoo completely
- More expensive and painful
- On dark/large pieces, preps for a cover-up
"Every cover-up is a constraint problem. The art isn't ignoring the old tattoo and drawing over it — it's turning it into part of the new design."
Cover-up Tattoo — FAQ
Is every old tattoo suitable for a cover-up?
No. Very large and densely black old tattoos have limitations. A free consultation will assess the options.
Is laser needed before a cover-up?
Not always. But if the old piece is very dark or large, a few laser sessions make the cover-up much more successful.
How does the colour choice for the new design work?
Dark areas generally need dark, dense new designs. Light designs over dark old work produce weak results.
Can every old tattoo be covered?
No. Very dark, large pieces may not cover directly; then we lighten with a few laser sessions first. Once we see a photo we'll tell you honestly.
How much is a cover-up tattoo in Istanbul?
From ₺5,000; it depends on how dark and large the old piece is and the detail of the new design. Exact price at a free assessment.
Can you cover a scar with a tattoo?
Yes. We cover healed scars and surgery marks with fine botanical, ornamental or fitting designs — see the scar cover-up page too.
Is laser required for a cover-up?
Usually not. Only on very dark/large pieces do we suggest a few laser sessions to free up the design.
How many sessions does a cover-up take?
Most cover-ups finish in one session; heavy old work may need two or more.
Can you cover up a name tattoo?
Yes. Name tattoos are among the most common cover-up requests. Usually a botanical, ornamental or fitting design is placed over it — done in a single session.
Can a text or lettering tattoo on the arm be covered?
Yes. Old lettering on the arm can be covered with a bold blackwork, floral or illustrative design. We assess how dark and large the original is before we commit to a plan.