Cover Up Tattoos

An old name, faded ink, or a tattoo that no longer feels like you? We design a brand-new piece that hides what’s there — and gives you a tattoo you’re proud to show.

Your options

Cover it, rework it, or fade it first

There is more than one way to deal with a tattoo you don’t love. Your artist will recommend the option that gives you the best result.

Cover-up

A completely new design is placed over the old tattoo so it disappears into the artwork. Best when you want something entirely different.

Rework & refresh

We keep your existing tattoo and make it better — sharper lines, new shading, added colour or extra elements. Ideal for faded or unfinished work.

Laser fading + cover-up

A few laser sessions at a removal clinic lighten very dark ink first. This gives far more freedom in size, style and colour for the new design.

10+ yearstattooing in Oslo

100% originalaround your old tattoo

Made to fiton what's really possible

Is my tattoo coverable?

What decides a good cover-up

Almost every tattoo can be improved — the question is how. These are the things your artist looks at first:

—How dark the old ink is: faded and lighter tattoos are much easier to cover than solid black
—Size & placement: the new design is usually larger than the old one and needs room on the body
—Age of the tattoo: older tattoos have often softened, which helps the cover-up blend
—Colour of the new design: light colours can’t hide dark ink, so darker tones and texture do the work
—Skin condition: scarring or blown-out lines need extra planning
—Your style wishes: fine line and minimalist styles are rarely suited for covering dark tattoos

The process

From old ink to new art

Cover-ups take more planning than a fresh tattoo. This is how we make sure the old tattoo stays hidden — for good.

01

Send us photos

Share clear daylight photos of your old tattoo, its approximate size and age, and what you’d like instead.

02

Honest assessment

Your artist checks what’s possible and explains your options — cover-up, rework, or a few laser sessions first.

03

Design around the old ink

The new design is drawn directly over a photo of your old tattoo, so the darkest areas are hidden inside the composition.

04

Stencil & placement

On the day, the stencil is placed and checked against the old tattoo and the shape of your body before we start.

05

Tattoo session

Your cover-up is tattooed with careful layering. Larger pieces may be split into several sessions.

06

Healing & check-up

Follow the aftercare guide. Once healed, we check the result and add an extra layer anywhere it’s needed.

Before you book

How to photograph your old tattoo

Good photos let your artist assess your tattoo properly before you even come in. Include:

—Daylight: natural light, no flash and no filters
—Straight on: hold the camera parallel to the skin, not at an angle
—A close-up and a wide shot: one for detail, one showing the whole body area
—Something for scale: a ruler or a coin next to the tattoo
—The history: how old it is and whether it has had any laser sessions
—Your wishes: style, motifs and a few reference images you like

Not sure what you want instead? That’s normal — your artist will suggest designs that work with your old tattoo.

Before you book

How to photograph your old tattoo

Good photos let your artist assess your tattoo properly before you even come in. Include:

—Daylight: natural light, no flash and no filters
—Straight on: hold the camera parallel to the skin, not at an angle
—A close-up and a wide shot: one for detail, one showing the whole body area
—Something for scale: a ruler or a coin next to the tattoo
—The history: how old it is and whether it has had any laser sessions
—Your wishes: style, motifs and a few reference images you like

Not sure what you want instead? That’s normal — your artist will suggest designs that work with your old tattoo.

Good to know

Pricing, laser & expectations

Pricing

Cover-ups take more planning and time than a fresh tattoo. The price depends on size, how dark the old tattoo is, detail and number of sessions. You’ll get an estimate after the assessment. Read our guide: How much does a tattoo cost in Oslo?

Laser fading

If your artist recommends fading first, the laser sessions are done at a specialised removal clinic. Let your skin heal completely afterwards — your artist will advise when it’s ready to tattoo.

Realistic expectations

The goal is that nobody sees the old tattoo. That usually means a bigger, darker design than you might first imagine — and we’ll always tell you honestly what will and won’t work.

Before your appointment

Sleep well, eat a proper meal, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for 24 hours and keep the area free from sunburn. Want something completely new instead? See our custom tattoo design page.