Cover work and rework
Cover work and rework in Phoenix
I take cover work seriously because most people bring me something they have been quietly unhappy about for years.
The first thing I will give you is an honest answer. Some tattoos can be covered cleanly right now. Some need lightening first. A few are better reworked than buried.
What makes a tattoo easy or hard to cover
Darkness, saturation, and size are the three things I look at first. Heavy black and dense saturation limit what can sit on top without going muddy.
Placement matters too. An area with room around it gives me space to build a design that uses the old tattoo instead of fighting it.
Style matters most of all. Ornamental and bold blackwork cover well because they use strong shape and solid black in ways that read cleanly over what is underneath.
Rework instead of cover
Sometimes the shape underneath is fine and the execution was not. In those cases I would rather rebuild the line, strengthen the black, and extend the piece than cover something that can be saved.
I will tell you which route I think is better before you commit to either.
Laser lightening
If a piece needs lightening, I will say so and explain roughly how many sessions and how much healing time to plan for before we tattoo.
Lightening is done by a laser provider, not by me. I will tell you what I need the tattoo to look like before I can work over it.
Common questions
- What should I send with my request?
- Clear, well lit photos of the existing tattoo, taken straight on, plus the idea you want to move toward.
- Can any tattoo be covered?
- No, and I will tell you if yours is one of them. Some need lightening first and a few are better reworked.
- Will the old tattoo still be visible?
- In the right design, no. In a difficult cover, you may catch a hint of it in certain light. I will be upfront about which case you are in.
Tell me what you are thinking.
Send the idea, the placement, and any reference photos. Sending a request does not book an appointment. I read every one and reply about the ones I can take on.