Booking
Cover-ups and reworks
Not every old tattoo needs to be lasered off. Many can be reworked or covered with a new realism piece. Here’s what’s possible and how to ask.
Rework
improve what is already there
Cover-up
hide it under a new design
Photos
decide what is possible
Laser
sometimes helps first
The difference
Rework or cover-up?
- A rework keeps the old tattoo and improves it: new shading, contrast, detail and sometimes a new background so it reads as a stronger piece.
- A cover-up hides the old tattoo under a new design. The new piece is usually larger and darker than the old one, and designed so the old lines disappear into it.
What works
What can be covered.
- Faded or light tattoos are the easiest to cover or rework.
- Dark, solid or heavily saturated tattoos are much harder. Realism relies on soft tones and highlights, and those can’t sit on top of solid black.
- Size matters: a cover-up usually needs to be noticeably bigger than the tattoo underneath.
- Design choice: dark backgrounds, water, foliage, fur and smoke hide old work well. Light skies and skin tones don’t.
If a cover-up won’t give you a piece you’ll love, Dylan will say so, and may suggest a few laser sessions first to lighten the old tattoo. [Dylan: your approach to cover-ups.]
How to ask
Send the right photos.
- Clear photos of the whole area in natural light, straight on, plus a couple from different angles.
- A photo with a ruler or tape measure next to it, so the size is clear.
- Your idea for the new piece, with reference photos of the subject.
- Whether you’ve had any laser sessions, and how many.
Join the waitlist, then choose cover-up or rework in your application.
Pricing
Same day rate.
Cover-ups and reworks are charged at the same day rate of $2,000 per full day. They can take longer than a fresh piece of the same size, because the design has to work around what’s already there. Dylan will give you an estimate of days when he’s seen your photos.
Dark work that hides old ink well
Questions
Common questions
No. Very dark or solid black tattoos are hard to cover with realism. Dylan will tell you honestly from your photos, and may suggest laser to lighten it first.
Usually, yes. The new design needs room and darker areas to hide the old lines.
Not always. For dark or heavy tattoos, a few laser sessions to fade them can open up far more design options. Ask in your application.
Often, yes. Reworking older realism with new contrast and detail is a common request. Send clear photos and Dylan will tell you what he can do.
Everything about booking
Have a piece in mind?
Books open a few times a year. The waitlist hears first.