Cover ups require key things, experience, the right eye, education and the ability to make the cover up not 'look' like a cover up. At Brokrn Puppet Tattoo in Worthing UK Rick Shaw provides specialist cover up tattoo work, transforming old or unwanted tattoos into fully redesigned custom pieces. Using advanced shading, composition and layering techniques, each cover up is carefully planned to ensure the original tattoo is seamlessly concealed and improved.
A trained eye can figure how to break the original design without it being obvious
At Broken Puppet Tattoo I regularly work on cover-ups helping clients turn tattoos they’re no longer happy with into something they’re proud to wear. Whether it’s an old design that’s faded, something that no longer reflects you, or a piece that didn’t heal as expected, a well-planned cover-up can completely transform it.
What Makes a Good Cover-Up Tattoo?
A successful cover-up isn’t about simply hiding the old tattoo—it’s about designing something strong enough to sit over it without looking forced or overly heavy.
Key factors include:
Understanding the existing tattoo – size, placement, colour, and how dark it is
Using the right design approach – working with flow, movement, and contrast
Choosing suitable styles – not every style works for cover-ups
Long-term readability – making sure the new tattoo still looks clear years down the line
Rushing into a design without properly considering these factors is where most cover-ups go wrong.
Our Approach to Cover-Ups
Every cover-up we do starts with a proper consultation. We’ll look at your existing tattoo, talk through your ideas, and give honest advice on what’s achievable.
In some cases, the best result comes from:
Reworking the existing piece
Designing a larger composition around it
Or, if needed, recommending some lightening first before tattooing.
The goal is always the same—create a tattoo that works as a complete piece, not something that just hides what’s underneath.
Styles That Work Well for Cover-Ups
Certain styles naturally lend themselves to cover-up work because they allow for stronger contrast and layering. This will vary on the specific cover up but here are some very good styles for this.
That said, every cover-up is different, and the best approach always depends on what you’re starting with.
Realistic Expectations
One of the most important parts of a cover-up is understanding what’s realistically possible.
Dark tattoos may still influence the final design and some pieces will need to be larger than the original, not every idea will work as a cover-up and we’ll always be honest about this. The aim isn’t just to cover the tattoo, it’s to improve it properly.
Cover-Up Tattoos at Our Worthing Studio
We’re based in Worthing, West Sussex and regularly work with clients looking for cover-ups, reworks, and larger custom pieces. From first consultations through to the finished tattoo, the focus is on creating something that fits you properly and holds up over time. If you’re unsure whether your tattoo can be covered, the best thing to do is get in touch with a photo and we can talk you through your options.
Start Your Cover-Up Consultation
If you’re thinking about a cover-up tattoo in Worthing, send over your idea along with a clear photo of the existing tattoo and we’ll take it from there. And check below for more examples of my cover up work.
Can any tattoo be covered up?
Most tattoos can be covered in some way, but it depends on how dark, large, and detailed the existing piece is. Some may need to be reworked or lightened first for the best result.
Do cover-up tattoos have to be bigger?
In most cases, yes. A larger design gives more room to properly cover the existing tattoo and create a balanced final piece.
What styles work best for cover-ups?
Styles with strong contrast and structure tend to work best, such as traditional, japanese and certain types of realism. The right choice depends on your existing tattoo.
Will the old tattoo still show through?
A well-done cover-up should minimise visibility of the old tattoo, but in some cases, elements may still influence the final result slightly, especially with very dark pieces.
Can I get a light cover-up over a dark tattoo?
Sometimes but within a lot of limitations, tone matching, shape breaking and lots of contrast are required. This is easiest when discussing with your current tattoo having been seen.
Do I need laser removal first?
Not always. Some tattoos can be covered without laser, while others benefit from a few sessions of lightening to give better design options.
How much does a cover-up tattoo cost?
Pricing depends on the size, complexity, and amount of work needed. Cover-ups can sometimes take longer than standard tattoos due to the planning and layering involved.
How do I get started?
The best way is to send a clear photo of your existing tattoo along with your idea, placement, and size. From there, we can advise you on the best approach.
Cover up tattoo process Worthing uk
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